Celebrities

Pat Sajak Bids Farewell to Wheel of Fortune: ‘Thank You for Letting Me Be a Part of Your Lives’

Pat Sajak Bids Farewell to Wheel of Fortune Viewers with Heartfelt Speech: ‘A Great 40 Years’

Pat Sajak has officially given his final spin on Wheel of Fortune.

The longtime game show host’s last episode is set to air on Friday, June 7, marking the beginning of his anticipated retirement.

During the episode, Sajak, 77, delivers a heartfelt speech to thank viewers for their support during his 40 years of hosting the classic game show.

“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he begins. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you 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.”

Reflecting on his journey, Sajak describes his time on the show as “gratifying” and expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of so many lives.

Pat Sajak Says Goodbye to Wheel of Fortune Viewers in Emotional Speech: 'Thank You for Allowing Me Into Your Lives'
Pat Sajak. 

Sajak proudly reflects on his role in making the half-hour show “a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”

He observes that over time, “it became more than that,” evolving into a cherished space where “kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families and friends gathered, and entire generations shared moments together.”

“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak remarks. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”

Ryan Seacrest Reacts to Vanna White’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Deal: ‘Very Happy I’ll Be Able to Work with Her.’

Vanna White, Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune
Vannah White and Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’. 

Sajak, the iconic host who began steering the ship of “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981, initially disclosed his retirement plans in June 2023. Through the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X, he shared, “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!)”

After his announcement, the confirmation came that Ryan Seacrest would step into his shoes. However, Sajak’s longtime partner-in-game, Vanna White, will continue gracing screens through the 2025-2026 season.

Reflecting on their decades-long journey, White expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt tribute video released on Thursday, June 6. “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me but I’m going to try,” she shared. “8000 episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable and so confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did.”

Addressing Sajak directly, she continued, “As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by. You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”

For fans of the iconic game show, “Wheel of Fortune” continues to spin weekdays in syndication (check local listings for airing times).

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