Pat Sajak is leaving 'Wheel of Fortune' after roughly 40 years of hosting the beloved game show.
The 'Wheel' host announced his retirement in his recent statement on Monday, June 12.
'Wheel of Fortune' Host Pat Sajak to Retire
The iconic Pat Sajak, the face of 'Wheel of Fortune' for more than four decades, has announced his departure from the popular television program, Variety reports. The 76-year-old host bids adieu to the colorful world of consonants, vowels, and captivating puzzles as he confirms his looming retirement.
Sajak says, "The time has come," as he announced that he is retiring after the 41st season of the game show. He wrote in his recent tweet, "[It has] been a wonderful ride, and [I will] have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all."
And as such, Sajak is stepping down from the show after the upcoming season of 'Wheel.' His retirement announcement has garnered roughly 27,000 likes, with more than 1,500 responses.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
For now, it is unclear who is filling the shoes of Sajak once he steps down from the 'Wheel' spotlight after its upcoming season. However, rumors have it that his daughter Maggie Sajak will replace her father upon his retirement. Just last month, or in May, his daughter Maggie co-hosted the show as she filled in for Vanna White, the long-time 'Wheel' co-host.
Pat Sajak: The Longest-Running Game Show Host
According to Fox News, Sony Pictures Television Executive Vice President for Game Shows, Suzanne Prete, says, "Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years."
The Sony executive says that the long-time 'Wheel of Fortune' host stays with the game show for three years after his retirement as its consultant. Prete says, "[we are] thrilled to have him remaining close to the 'Wheel of Fortune' family!"
As per USA Today, Sajak has been the 'Wheel of Fortune' host since 1983. He also graced its daytime counterpart, which ran between 1981 and 1989. It is worth noting that Sajak is the longest-running host of a game show, dethroning Bob Barker, the host of 'Price is Right.' The game show debuted in 1975 with its original hosts, Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford.
In 2021, Sajak told USA Today that he and his co-host are "much closer to the end than we are to the beginning" of hosting the beloved game show. And now, the time has come. He has announced that he will retire in 2024 after the 41st season of 'Wheel of Fortune.'
Related Article : 'Wheel Of Fortune Puzzle': Pat Sajak Claims Contestant's Guess Is 'The Most Amazing Solve In My 30+ Years On The Show (WATCH)
