Pat Sajak hosted his final episode of Wheel of Fortune on Friday after hosting the legendary game show for 43 years. Afterwards, Sajak’s replacement Ryan Seacrest of American Idol fame spoke out to pay tribute to him.
Seacrest Honors Sajak
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!” Seacrest, 49, wrote on Instagram. “Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”
“Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers,” he added. “You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”
Seacrest wrote this alongside a photo of himself smiling behind the show’s big wheel with Sajak and his co-host Vanna White. He also included a soundless clip of the trio spending time together on the Wheel of Fortune set.
Related: ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Reveals Real Reason He’s Retiring
Seacrest Excited To Take Over Wheel Of Fortune
Seacrest will be making his debut as the host of Wheel of Fortune when season 42 of the show premieres in the fall. White will be joining him as co-host, as she has extended her contract for at least the next two seasons.
“I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body,” Seacrest told People Magazine last year. “Excitement is the word because it’s such a phenomenal show. I grew up watching the show, and I can’t wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Seacrest went on to say that he is “very excited” that White will be joining him.
“This is such great news,” he said. “Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I have been very excited to work with her, but now that it’s official, I can say, ‘Congratulations Vanna! I can’t wait.”
Find out more about this in the video below.
Sajak’s History
Sajak has hosted Wheel of Fortune ever since December of 1981. In the decades since then, he’s only relinquished his hosting duties twice. The first time was in 1997, when he and the iconic Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek switched places as an April Fool’s joke.
The second time was in 2019, when Sajak underwent emergency surgery and was temporarily replaced by his co-host Vanna White for three weeks.
In September of 2022, Sajak officially surpassed the former Price Is Right host Bob Barker as the longest-running host of any game show.
Related: Pat Sajak’s Funniest ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Moments In Honor Of His Retirement
Sajak Says Goodbye
Friday night’s episode of Wheel of Fortune was an emotional one, as Sajak said goodbye to the millions of fans who have stood by him for decades.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that,” he later added. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Check out his full goodbye message in the video below.
Related: Inside Pat Sajak’s World: Retirement, Fame, Family, And Wealth
Sajak is a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. While it’s nearly impossible to imagine someone else filling his shoes, it will certainly be interesting to see how Seacrest does in the fall!
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