Ryan Seacrest to replace Pat Sajak as 'Wheel of Fortune' host

Media personality Ryan Seacrest on Tuesday said he is taking over as host of "Wheel of Fortune" after Pat Sajak retires. 

"I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them," Seacrest said on Twitter.

Sajak, who is 76 and joined the show in 1982, said earlier this month that he plans on retiring after this upcoming season.

Seacrest has a history of hosting shows, including "Live with Kelly and Ryan," "American Idol" and "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.