‘Wistful’ Pat Sajak reveals his plans after ‘Wheel of Fortune’ retirement
End of an era.
Pat Sajak reflected on hosting “Wheel of Fortune” for the last 40 years in a new interview with “Good Morning America.”
Sajak, 77, sat down with his daughter Maggie Sajak, the game show’s social correspondent, ahead of his final episode as host on Friday, June 7.
Pat Sajak hosting “Wheel of Fortune.” ABC via Getty Images
“It’s surprisingly OK,” Pat said about his time on the show coming to an end so soon.
“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” he noted. “So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it. And it’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run.”
Pat, who started hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981, acknowledged that the show is more than just any other television program.
“We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people’s lives,” he said. “And that’s been awfully gratifying.”
Pat Sajak and Vanna White on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1986. ABC/courtesy Everett Collection
Pat Sajak and Vanna White in the early 1990s. NBCUniversal via Getty Images
The Emmy winner announced he was stepping down as host of the show in June of last year.
Ryan Seacrest will take over when the ABC series returns for a new season in the fall.
Pat told his daughter that he stands by his decision to leave after more than four decades.
“I’ve always said to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, ‘I’d rather leave a couple years too early than a couple of years too late.’ Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while,” Pat told Maggie, 29.
Pat Sajak with his daughter Maggie. ABC via Getty Images
“There’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do. I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
He added: “I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint. No pressure.”
Maggie started working on “Wheel of Fortune” in 2021. She’s dating actor Ross McCall, 48
Maggie Sajak and her father Pat Sajak on the set of “Wheel of Fortune.” maggiesajak/INstagram
After Pat announced his exit, Maggie shared a message on Instagram to support her father’s decision.
“It’s so much fun working with my dad…and we’re looking forward to even more fun in Season 41,” she wrote.
Vanna White, Pat’s longtime “Wheel of Fortune” partner, will stay with the show after his departure.
Pat Sajak hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981. Courtesy Everett Collection
White, 67, has been on the game show since 1982. She signed a contract extension to stay on the program through the 2025-2026 season.
The iconic letter-turner addressed her future on the show in a recent interview with TV Insider.
“When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire, too. But I’m not ready!” she said.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak hosting “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” ABC via Getty Images
“We’ll see toward the end of those two years how I feel,” White added. “I thank God after all these years that I still love my job.”
Pat’s final episode of “Wheel of Fortune” will air June 7.
