Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak, her co-host for more than 40 years, prior to its final episode as 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 featuring clips and photos of their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.
“As this chapter of our lives comes to an end, I know you will still be close. You are like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always love,” she said. “I love you, Pat.”
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White said that while their long-term collaboration at work has meant a lot 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.
“As much fun as we had in front of the camera, the memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families, outside of the studio, are my favorite,” she said, appearing to hold back tears. “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.”
One of the most iconic duos on television
After the pre-recorded video segment ended, Sajak and White shared a hug on stage.
Sajak and White have been one of television's most iconic duos since they started working together on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1982, when the show first aired in syndication. Sajak and White are two of the longest-serving hosts of any television program in the game show category. They have appeared in more than 8,000 episodes together, with Sajak leading the contestants through the game and White famously turning over the letters on the puzzle board.
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Sajak announced last year he would retire as host following the 2023-2024 season of the hit game show. “It was a beautiful ride,” he said at the time. White said on social media after announcing his departure: “Who would have guessed when we started @WheelofFortune that we'd still be at it 41 seasons later?”
White extended her contract in September through the 2025-26 season and will help 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 that he was “truly humbled” to take over.
“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it has been a privilege and a pure joy to have Pat and Vanna on our television screens for forty years, making us smile every night and feeling right at home with them,” says Seacrest. said.
The final episode of Sajak will be broadcast on Friday, June 7.
