'Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White Holds Back Tears as She Says Farewell to Pat Sajak
Vanna White gets emotional in farewell video to 'Wheel of Fortune' co-star Pat Sajak ahead of his last episode. ABOVE: Vanna White and Pat Sajak on set of 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.'
As Pat Sajak prepares to bid adieu to Wheel of Fortune, co-star Vanna White is recalling all her favorite on-camera and behind-the-scenes memories with the soon-to-be former host.
"I can't believe that tomorrow is our last show together. I don't know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I'm going to try," she began in the teary-eyed clip shared on Instagram on Thursday, June 6.
"8,000 episodes went by like that, when I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable and made me so confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did," she said while taking a deep breath.
"As the years have gone by, we've grown up on television, but we've also shared so much more behind the scenes," she added as a montage of clips passed by on the screen, including one that showed the iconic letter-turner bringing her newborn out to the stage.
"And as much fun as we had on camera," she added, "those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families outside the studio are my favorite."
"We've watched our children grow up together, we've traveled all over the world. We've eaten hundreds of meals together. We've laughed. We've cried. We've celebrated. Oh gosh," she shared while struggling to hold back tears. "What an incredible and unforgettable journey we've had."
"And I've enjoyed every minute of it with you," she continued, "As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you'll still be close by."
The 67-year-old went on despite her lip quivering, equating her relationship with Sajak to that of "a brother."
"And I consider you a true, lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat," she concluded.
Alongside the video, the social team cheered for the two dear friends, "It’s not a goodbye, it’s just a see you later ????," it read in part. "Here’s to Pat and Vanna, the stars of Wheel of Fortune!"
The emotional goodbye video from his co-host is just another way the game show has paid tribute to its legendary host. A few weeks ago, producers compiled some of Sajak's best moments and shared them in a highlight reel also uploaded to the picture-sharing platform.
Sajak's last Wheel of Fortune episode, which coincides with the Season 41 finale, was already recorded and it's set to air on Friday, June 7. His replacement, Ryan Seacrest, was already spotted filming with White in Hawaii this past February.
Next: Pat Sajak Gets Grilled by Daughter Maggie in 'Emotional' Farewell Interview