Pat Sajak says goodbye to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ viewers in emotional video: ‘The time has come’
Pat Sajak is signing off.
The “Wheel of Fortune” host delivers an emotional goodbye to viewers in the episode, which was shared hours before the show airs on Friday.
The famed host, 77, stood on set of the ABC show as he addressed loyal fans directly in the camera.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he began. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“And I’ve always felt like the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun,” he went on. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
“But gradually it became more than that,” he continued.” “A 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.”
He added: “What an honor to play even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Sajak kicked off hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 and has taped more than 8,000 episodes alongside his partner, letter-turner Vanna White. He announced his decision to step down after 41 seasons in June 2023.
“Well, the time has come,” he tweeted at the time. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
He added, “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
White will stay on, as she extended her contract after the news through the 2026 season. Ryan Seacrest will replace Sajak for Season 42 in the fall.
White, 67, released her own tearful video about Sajak’s departure on Thursday.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together,” she said. “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m gonna try. …You made me who I am. You really did. … Oh, gosh, what an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you.”
Sajak, for his part, has already landed his next gig. He is set to star in a new take of the play “Prescription: Murder,” per Variety. He will star opposite Joe Moore in the production, which will run from July 31 to Aug. 10, 2025, at Honolulu’s Hawaii Theatre.
Sajak’s final episode (which is also the Season 41 finale) airs Friday, June 7 on ABC.
