After 41 years as host The wheel of fate, Pat Sajak is saying goodbye to the classic game show.
“It's time to say goodbye,” Sajak said in an emotional speech, thanking viewers for welcoming him into their homes over the decades on television.
Sajak, 77, announced last year that he would retire at the end of the year. The wheel of fateSeason 41. His final episode as host will air on Friday, June 7.
“Before I go, I want to say a few words of thanks, and first of all I want to thank everyone here. It's an honor to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said.
With great privilege comes great responsibility. Sajak noted that as the host, it is his responsibility to “make this half hour a safe place for family fun every day. I want no social issues, no politics, no embarrassing things, just a game.”
“But gradually, it became more than just a place. It was a place where children learned to write, where people from other countries honed their English skills, and where families, friends, neighbors and even generations came together.”
“It's been an honor to be a part of this, even in a small way. Thank you for allowing me into your lives,” he signed off.
When the audience bids farewell to Sajak, they will say Say hello to Ryan Seacrest At the start of the new season. American idol The host has been confirmed as Sajak's replacement.
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Given how long Sajak has been the host, it might be hard for viewers to accept anyone other than Sajak as host. But at least longtime co-host Vanna White will continue to host the show through the 2025-26 season.
“I don't know how to put into words what the past 40 years have meant to me, but I'm going to try,” White said. Tribute to Sajak Thursday. “8,000 episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable, so confident, Pat. You made me who I am today, you really did.”
“As this chapter of our lives comes to an end, I know you will still be there for me,” she added. “You are like a brother to me, I consider you a true lifelong friend, and I will always love you. I love you, Pat.”
Last year, Sajak announced that he would continue to serve as consultant The wheel of fate He will continue to host for at least three more seasons after stepping down from hosting duties.
In a recent interview Good Morning AmericaAfterwards, Sajak said he felt “surprisingly good” after hanging up his boots.
“I've had time to get used to it and even though it's a little bit sad, I'm enjoying it, accepting it and looking back on it as a great experience,” he said.
It's been a brilliant journey. Sajak has been hosting the United Evening Edition The wheel of fate Since its debut in September 1983. Original The wheel of fate The show started in 1975 as a daytime show hosted by Chuck Woolery.
In 1981, Sajak replaced him as host of the daytime edition, which meant that he and The wheel of fate It dates back 43 years.
He is the longest-serving host of an American television game show, surpassing Bob Barker's 35 years. Reasonable price In 37 years on CBS and starring Alex Trebek Danger!
— Information from Reuters
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