Pat Sajak’s era with the beloved “Wheel of Fortune” has finally come to an end.
The 77-year-old has hosted the show for 41 years, as CBS News reported.
Sajak shares his gratitude for the longevity he’s had on the show.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year,” Sajak says.
Sajak believes the show has been unique because of the warm, inviting presence its brought families for decades. “[The show is] a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
“Kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations,” Sajak continues.
In a heartfelt message to Sajak, his co-host Vanna White, describes how Sajak positively impacted her life and career.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together. I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me,” White says. “Eight thousand episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me comfortable and made me so confident, Pat. You made me who I am. You really did.”
For White, the memories shared between the two and their families behind-the-scenes of the show is something she will cherish forever.
“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,” White says.
With Sajak’s departure, it’s a reminder of how the personal values and morality behind both him and White have impacted the show, keeping it family-oriented.
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Sajak, who is the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hillsdale College, will continue to hold this position after his retirement from ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ Hillsdale is a private Christian college in Michigan.
In an email statement to USA TODAY, Emily Stack Davis, a spokesperson for Hillsdale wrote, “Since 2019, we have benefitted from his wisdom, intellect and good humor as chairman of Hillsdale’s board of trustees. We look forward to continuing our important work together and to what we are sure will be a bright future for Mr. Sajak and his family.”
Sajak has also been known for conservative beliefs, sharing his viewpoints about global warming and has been photographed with Marjorie Taylor Greene.
White has also spoken about her personal values and beliefs, sharing about her prayer life with People back in 2019.
“I was baptized as a Baptist, and I’ve always had my own personal relationship with God,” White shares in the interview with People. “I don’t preach because everyone’s entitled to their own beliefs. I don’t judge anyone for whatever religion they are. This is my religion and I speak openly about it, but again, I would never preach.”
As the era of Pat Sajak and Vanna White’s time on Wheel of Fortune comes to a conclusion, we can see how they have impacted millions of people and will continue to do so on their journeys.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
