Pat Sajak bids farewell to Wheel of Fortune, Ryan Seacrest to take over

Pat Sajak completed his iconic 40-year run as the host of Wheel Of Fortune on Friday, saying goodbye to generations of viewers who has watched the man host one of the most successful game shows in American history.

Sajak is the latest host to end a decades-long career, after Alex Trebek left Jeopardy shortly before his death in 2020. Legendary radio and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will take Sajak's place in September.

Friday's episode began with a clip from Sajak’s first episode in 1981. Throughout the episode he thanked his guests, viewers, and fellow employees on the show, but gave a special tribute to the legendary Vanna White, who co-hosted the show with him all 40 years, on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other,” he said. “I will miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature. She’s a very special woman.”

Sajak also commented on the legacy of the show, and how they tried to stay away from politics or controversial topics to keep the show a “safe place for family fun."

“Gradually, it became more than that,” Sajak said. “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 have played even a small part in all that.”

Sajak announced his departure in 2023, but White is expected to stay on until at least the 2025-2026 season, based on a contract she signed in September.