Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak, her co-host for more than 40 years. Before his last episode As host of “Wheel of Fortune”.
On Thursday’s episode of the beloved game show, White honored Sajak’s work and friendship with a video featuring clips and photos tracing their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.
“As this chapter of our lives comes to a close, I know you will still be close. You are like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend that I will always adore,” she said. “I love you, Pat.”
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White said that although their long-term business collaboration was important to her — noting that he made her feel “very comfortable and confident” when she started — she said their personal friendship meant much more than that.
“As much as we enjoyed it in front of the camera, those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families, outside of the studio, are my favorite,” she said, holding back tears. “We watched our children grow together, traveled all over the world, and ate hundreds of meals together. We laughed, we cried, and we celebrated.”
One of the most iconic duos on television
After the pre-recorded video ended, Sajak and White shared an onstage hug.
Sajak and White have been one of television’s most popular duos since they began working on “Wheel of Fortune” together in 1982, when the show first aired in syndication. Sajak and White are among the longest-serving hosts of any television program in the game show category. They appeared together in more than 8,000 episodes, with Sajak leading the contestants through the game and White flipping letters on a puzzle board.
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Sajak announced last year He will retire as a host After the 2023-24 season of the popular game show. “It’s been a great ride,” he said at the time. white he said on social media After announcing his departure, he said, “When we started @WheelofFortune, who would have thought we would still be there 41 seasons later?”
White extended her contract in September through the 2025-2026 season and will assist Sajak’s replacement, Ryan Seacrest, during 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 pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feeling right at home with them.” He said.
The final episode of Sajak will air on Friday, June 7.
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