{"id":103053,"date":"2024-06-08T00:04:43","date_gmt":"2024-06-08T00:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/08\/pat-sajak-says-goodbye-to-wheel-of-fortune-during-final-show-as-host\/"},"modified":"2024-06-08T00:04:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-08T00:04:43","slug":"pat-sajak-says-goodbye-to-wheel-of-fortune-during-final-show-as-host","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/08\/pat-sajak-says-goodbye-to-wheel-of-fortune-during-final-show-as-host\/","title":{"rendered":"Pat Sajak Says Goodbye to Wheel of Fortune During Final Show as Host"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>

\n Pat Sajak.<\/span> Doug Benc\/Getty Images for PLAYERS INC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pat Sajak<\/strong> is officially waving goodbye to Wheel of Fortune<\/em><\/a> after four decades and more than 8,000 episodes.<\/p>\n

Sajak, 77, who initially took over for Chuck Woolery<\/strong> in 1981, hosted the game show for the last time on Friday, June 7. He will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest<\/strong>, while his longtime cohost, Vanna White<\/strong>, is staying on in her current role.<\/p>\n

Sajak began his final episode by saying he wanted to save a bit of time at the end for his final goodbye, so they would be cutting out one round of the game. To be fair, Sajak spun the wheel, promising each contestant that they would receive whatever amount the wheel landed on plus an additional $1,000. His spin landed on $1,000, resulting in each contestant taking home $2,000 right off the bat.<\/p>\n

At the end of the episode, Sajak gave a heartwarming speech.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there,\u201d he began. \u201cIt\u2019s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I\u2019ve always felt that the privilege came with a 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sajak addressed his departure<\/a> in a preview shared ahead of Friday\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there. It\u2019s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve always felt that the privilege came with a 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n
\"Pat<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Pat Sajak’s Ups and Downs<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\tPat Sajak\u2019s journey to becoming the longest-running TV game show host has had its ups and downs over the years. The TV personality became a staple of the small screen after taking over for original Wheel of Fortune host Chuck Woolery in 1981 and was joined by cohost Vanna White one year later. \u201cWhen I [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sajak added that over time the show became \u201cmore\u201d than he ever hoped.<\/p>\n

\u201cA 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,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\"Pat<\/div>

\n Pat Sajak.<\/span> Ralph Notaro\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The television personality announced his Wheel of Fortune<\/em> exit last June, writing via X<\/a>, \u201cI\u2019ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It\u2019s been a wonderful ride, and I\u2019ll have more to say in the coming months.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Friday, Sajak took to X<\/a> to simply say, \u201cThank you all so very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n
\"Wheel<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>\u2018Wheel of Fortune\u2019 Snafus and Wild Moments Over the Years<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\tWheel of Fortune has entertained countless viewers since it originally premiered in 1975 \u2014 but with time also comes error. Since its inception, the game show has featured contestants who solve word puzzles in order to win cash and other prizes. Pat Sajak has hosted the show since 1981, earning 19 Daytime Emmy nominations and [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sajak isn\u2019t the only one who\u2019s feeling nostalgic this week. In a video shared by the Wheel of Fortune<\/em> Instagram account on Thursday, June 6, White, 67, held back tears as she reflected on her journey<\/a> with her cohost.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that tomorrow is our last show together. I don\u2019t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me but I\u2019m gonna try,\u201d she began. \u201c8,000 episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me comfortable and made me so confident, Pat. You made me who I am. You really did.\u201d<\/p>\n

White added that she knows the pair will continue to be friends offscreen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n