After many decades, Pat Sajak Said goodbye to “Wheel of Fortune” on Friday evening.
In his final episode, which aired on June 7, Sajak, 77, shared a special message with the millions who tuned in over the decades.
“I’ve always felt that the privilege of having this half hour every day as a safe place for family entertainment came with a responsibility. No social problems, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I believe. A game. But gradually it became more than that. : a place where children learn their alphabet. , a place where people from other countries develop their English skills, families come together with friends and neighbors and whole generations,” he said. “What an honor to play even a small part in all of that. Thank you for letting me into your life.”
Sajak first told contestants to “spin that wheel” when the show aired on network daytime television in 1981. The syndicated version, which still airs today, debuted in 1983, and he has also hosted “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” since 2021.
Read more about the final chapter of Sajak’s “Wheel of Fortune”.
What did Sajak say in his final chapter?
During his farewell speech, Sajak spoke of how much he appreciated meeting the various contestants during his tenure on the show.
“Every time we tape a show, I meet three new people from all over this wonderful country — the world — who are kind and caring, who root for each other, who are proud to talk about their family. Their hometown, their friends, their Schools, their jobs, even their pets,” she said. “In the end, they’re the real stars of the show.”
He added, “I truly love these people, and I miss the opportunity to meet more of them.”
Sajak shared his gratitude to the “Wheel of Fortune” staff and crew, describing what he called the “joy” of working with them.
“Your talents and dedication and good humor made this the place I always wanted to be,” he said. “Everyone came together and cared about each other and this show. It worked because you made it work. It was great because you made it look good — and you made my job so much easier.”
He stressed that their work “has not gone unnoticed and unappreciated by me”, adding that he will miss them.
Sajak message for Vanna White
Sajak also shared a special note of thanks for his co-host, Vanna White, in his final episode.
“For my professional other half, dear Vanna, like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself,” he began. “I shudder to think what these 40-plus years would have been like if they had brought in someone to play the role of prima donna, who wasn’t quite as sweet and modest as she seems.”
“We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’re always there for each other. I want to thank her for her beautiful farewell on the show yesterday.”
in white A sentimental tribute During Sajak’s final episode, which aired on June 6, she credited her longtime friend and colleague for helping her feel “so comfortable” and “so confident” when she started out.
“As the years went by, we grew up on television, but we shared a lot behind the scenes,” she said. “As much as we were on camera, I loved those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families outside of the studio.”
She concluded, “What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had. And I’ve enjoyed every minute with you. You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I’ll always adore. I love you, Pat.”
Sajak said on Friday’s episode that the two will still be a part of each other’s lives after they exit the show. “I really miss working with her, and I take comfort in the fact that we live 5 miles apart, so we see each other a lot, but I miss our late-night hugs and her laugh and her good nature,” he said.
The puzzle board is with the Queen Signed At least through the 2025-2026 season, fans won’t have to worry about saying goodbye to him just yet.
Sajak ‘best part’ of his hosting gig
The longtime host reflected on what he called “the best part of the last couple of years” working alongside his daughter, Maggie Sajak, the game show’s community correspondent. She noted her appreciation for the opportunity to see her daughter “grow in her character and as a person.”
“Maggie is loved here because she’s talented, smart and funny, but she’s also loved here because she’s kind and caring and humble,” he said.
Recently A sit-down interview with his daughterSajak said he “had time to get used to” the departure and was “a little homesick”.
“…But I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run,” he added.
During her final chapter speech, she also expressed her gratitude to her son, Patrick Zajac, and his wife, Leslie Brown.
Talking about his wife, he shared, “She has been my wife and life partner for 35 years. I love her for who she is and who we are as a team.”
Who will replace Pat Sajak as the new “Wheel of Fortune” host?
Rhyme First announced He is stepping down from “Wheel of Fortune” in June 2023, saying at the time that “the time has come” and “it’s been an amazing ride.”
Sony Pictures Television revealed at the time that Sajak would stay on as a consultant for three years following the final season of “Wheel of Fortune.”
Within weeks of the announcement, He was replaced by Ryan Seacrest.
The “American Idol” host said in a statement that she was “truly humbled” to follow in the footsteps of the “legendary” game show host.
“I can say it has been a privilege and pure joy to see Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, along with the rest of America, making us smile and be home with them every night,” Seacrest wrote.
Seacrest will take over as host when “Wheel of Fortune” returns for Season 42 this fall.
