Vanna White bids emotional goodbye to "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak ahead of final episode

Vanna White bids emotional goodbye to “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak ahead of final episode

Vanna White agrees to “Wheel of Fortune” contract extension

Vanna White agrees to “Wheel of Fortune” contract extension

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Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak, her co-host of more than 40 years, ahead of his final episode as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.”

On Thursday’s episode of the beloved game show, White honored Sajak’s work and their friendship with a video segment that featured clips and photos tracing their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.

“As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by. You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore,” she said. “I love you, Pat.”

"Wheel of Fortune" hosts Vanna White and Pat Sajak.
“Wheel of Fortune” hosts Vanna White and Pat Sajak.

Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images


White said that while their long-running work collaboration has been significant to her – noting that he made her feel “so comfortable and so confident” when she started – she said their personal friendship has meant much more.

he would retire as the host after the 2023-24 season of the popular game show. “It’s been a wonderful ride, ” he said at the time. White said on social media after he announced his departure, “When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later?” 

White extended her contract in September through the 2025-2026 season and will help shepherd Sajak’s replacement, Ryan Seacrest, through his first two seasons at the helm.

When Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s successor, Seacrest said in a statement he was “truly humbled” to take over.

“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” Seacrest said.

Sajak’s final episode will air Friday, June 7.

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Source: cbsnews.com