Vanna White has been turning letters on “Wheel of Fortune” for four decades and she’s not ready to stop now.
The 65-year-old game show mainstay discussed how she felt about possibly moving on from her role during an interview with People. While “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak has hinted at the idea of retiring soon, White admits that she’s reluctant to leave. The pair have been part of the show since 1982.
“I think when [show creator] Merv Griffin chose both of us, 40 and 41 years ago, he saw something between us — a brother-sister type relationship,” White shared in the interview. “And I think that is kind of what it is. He saw that we would be able to get along, and we do. We are like a brother and sister team.”
Sajak said in 2021 that he and White were “closer to the end than the beginning” of their hosting career. The pair have signed on for the 2023-2024 season at least, but the future beyond that is unknown.
The television personality also says she can’t fathom anyone else doing her job. “I just visualize us just being there. I can’t think beyond that,” White said.
“I can’t imagine,” she continued. “Everybody relates ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters.”
Overall, White is pleased to have a career she’s still excited about even four decades later.
“It’s incredible. I cannot believe it’s been 40 years. Honestly, I’ve loved every minute of it,” the mom of two told People. “Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me! I really do. It’s a fun show. Everybody watches and enjoys it and it changes people’s lives and it makes people happy. So it’s a great job.”
Meanwhile, Sajak seems a lot more open to retiring soon.
“In most television shows by this time, you would have said, ‘That’s probably enough,’ but this show will not die,” the 76-year-old host told Entertainment Tonight earlier this year. “It appears I may go before the show.”
“Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long [time]. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near,” he continued. “It’s an honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and proud.”