Ladies and gentlemen, big news is coming from the world of game shows! Pat Sajak, the longtime and beloved host of “Wheel of Fortune,” has given us a glimpse of his heartfelt closing remarks for the final episode he will host. Set to air on Friday, June 7, this episode marks the end of an era for the iconic game show.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” the 77-year-old host began. With a sense of nostalgia and gratitude, he continued, “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.”
Pat Sajak’s journey with “Wheel of Fortune” began back in 1981. Over the decades, he has become a familiar and comforting presence in households around the world.
Reflecting on this long-standing connection, he shared, “I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
Sajak highlighted how the show evolved into something special for many viewers. “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,” he said, emphasizing the show’s broader impact. “What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
The announcement of Sajak’s retirement first came in June 2023 via 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!)” he wrote, injecting his signature humor into the bittersweet news.
Vanna White, Sajak’s longtime colleague, has also shared her emotions about his departure. “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.”
So, folks, as we bid farewell to Pat Sajak, we also look forward to welcoming Ryan Seacrest, who has been named as Sajak’s successor. Vanna White will continue to grace the show at least through the 2025-26 season, ensuring that a familiar face remains as the wheel keeps spinning.
