Pat Sajak says goodbye to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ after 41 years in emotional speech: ‘What an honor’
Pat Sajak’s “Wheel of Fortune” hosting duties are drawing to a close.
The 77-year-old’s last episode of the game show airs Friday, with him making an emotional speech in the first look at his swan song.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said on the ABC set in a video released hours before the Season 41 finale. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there.”
Sajak called it an “incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade” since 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.
“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.”
Sajak concluded by expressing his gratitude over being “allowed” into fans’ lives, gushing, “What an honor to play even a small part in all of that.”
The Daytime Emmy winner announced his retirement in June 2023, with Ryan Seacrest subsequently being tapped as his replacement.
“Well, the time has come,” Sajak tweeted at the time. “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!)”
As for Vanna White, who has starred on the show alongside Sajak since 1982, the former pageant queen plans to stay on air.
When she does retire, however, she believes her colleague’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, would be a “good” choice to take over.
White, 67, teared up while saying her goodbyes to Pat in Thursday’s episode.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together,” she said in an emotional video. “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m gonna try.”
After saying “8,000 episodes went by like that,” White said, “You made me who I am. You really did.”
Choking up, she finished, “Oh, gosh, what an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you. As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by.”
