Longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak previewed his closing remarks for the final episode he hosted of the popular game show. The episode will air on Friday, June 7.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” the 77-year-old host began. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
Sajak began hosting the show back in 1981.
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
He added, “A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.”
“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Pat Sajak is signing off. https://t.co/30ldJIWuYh pic.twitter.com/X4A5sn7XQN
— New York Post (@nypost) June 7, 2024
Sajak first announced his retirement in June 2023 by sharing the news on his X account. “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Longtime colleague Vanna White got emotional while discussing Sajak’s departure.
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“I can’t believe tomorrow is our last show together,” White said. “I don’t know how to put into words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I’m going to try. Eight thousand episodes went by like that.”
“You made me feel so comfortable, so confident,” she added. “You made me who I am. You really did.”
Ryan Seacrest has been named as Sajak’s successor to host “Wheel of Fortune.” White will continue on the show at least through the 2025-26 season.