Although Sajak will no longer be presenting the game show alongside White, he gave viewers the assurance that they would still see “plenty of each other.”
Before Pat Sajak bids farewell to Wheel of Fortune, he would want to thank Vanna White, his right-hand lady.
The well-known game show presenter, 77, thanked his family, the cast and crew of Wheel of Fortune, and his devoted audience in a heartfelt speech on Friday, June 7, marking the end of his 40-year run on the show.
Upon acknowledging the multitude of individuals who contributed to the current state of Wheel of Fortune, he spoke with White, his enduring co-host.
“And now, dear Vanna, my professional other half,” he continued. She is not herself, yet she takes the show extremely seriously, much like me. If they had introduced someone who was completely self-absorbed and acting like a prima donna, I can’t even begin to imagine what these 40 years may have been like.
Considering the numerous “changes” in each other’s lives, Sajak described her as “sweet and unassuming” as she appears on TV. He said, “We’ve always been there for each other,” in spite of the highs and lows they’ve experienced.
He went on, “I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday’s show,” alluding to White’s heartfelt farewell from the previous episode. Even though I’ll miss working with her a lot, I find comfort in the idea that we’ll still see each other frequently because we just live five miles apart. However, I shall miss our evening closes, her humor, and her sweet disposition.
He went on, “I know you’re all happy that she’ll be back next season. She’s a very special woman.”
In June 2023, Sajak, who started presenting Wheel of Fortune in 1981, made his initial announcement of retirement. “Well, the time has come,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. I’ve made the decision that I won’t be returning for our 41st season, which starts in September. In the upcoming months, I’ll have more to say about this amazing journey. Many thanks to each and every one of you. (If nothing else, it will occupy the time of the clickbait websites!)
A few weeks later, White returned to her role alongside Ryan Seacrest, who was officially announced as his replacement.
White reminisced about their time together on the game show in a commemorative video that was published on Thursday, June 6.
She said to Sajak, “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try.” It’s how 8000 episodes flew by. I was very green when I started. Pat, you gave me such confidence and security. You truly are the reason I am who I am.
Later in the video, she said, “I know you’ll still be close by as this chapter of our lives is coming to an end.” “You’re like a brother to me, and I will always adore you as a true lifelong friend.” Pat, you have my undying affection.
