TV host Pat Sajak finally opened up about leaving “Wheel of Fortune” after hosting the popular game show for more than 40 years.
During the 77-year-old game show host’s appearance on Monday on “Good Morning America,” the longtime host was interviewed by his daughter Maggie Sajak about why he felt it was time to step away from hosting the show. ‘American Idol’ alum Ryan Seacrest has been chosen to take over.
“I’ve always said this to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,” Sajak told his daughter.
“Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while,” he added. “There’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do, and I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
When pressed by his daughter how it felt recently going into his final week of the show, Sajak admitted he was doing okay.
EXCLUSIVE: “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak opens up to his daughter about his final week of shows after a 41-season run: “It’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run.” https://t.co/vvO8KemRba pic.twitter.com/HfpBrQ9zlD
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 3, 2024
“You know, this was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” the host said. “So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it, and it’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it in and reflecting on a great run.”
“I do know that somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show, we became part of the popular culture, and more importantly, we became part of people’s lives,” he added. “And that’s been awfully gratifying.”
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with cohost Vanna White — who first appeared alongside Sajak in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with media personality Seacrest confirming he’d been picked to succeed him, posting on X that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” Seacrest added. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Sajak’s final episode will air Friday June 7, ABC News noted.
