TAMPA, Fla. — An end of an era is brewing for "Wheel of Fortune" as long-time host Pat Sajak is bidding farewell to the popular game show after more than 40 years.
Sajak's swan song on the popular ABC show is coming up on Friday, June 7, according to the network itself. The episode will serve as the season 41 finale.
Sajak first announced he would be stepping down as "Wheel of Fortune" host in a post on X in June 2023. "Many thanks to you all," he wrote in the post.
SAJAK'S LEGACY
The 77-year-old host has been a part of the show since 1981 after taking the reigns from former, and first host, Chuck Woolery.
During his run, Sajak won three Daytime Emmy Awards out of 19 nominations. He also received a lifetime achievement award in 2011 and the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show in 2019.
Sajak has also shared his legacy with his daughter, Maggie, who serves as the "Wheel of Fortune" social correspondent.
WHAT ABOUT VANNA WHITE?
Vanna White, Sajak's long-time co-host, has been on the show since 1982. Viewers often see her controlling the word board, revealing the letters as competitors guess what the hidden phrase is.
In an article from Deadline, White reportedly signed to stay on the show for two more seasons. Although, she's previously said the decision to stay without Sajak was a difficult one.
"It’s like, ‘I just don’t know if I can do this without you,’ but I thought about it and I’m not ready to retire, so I am staying on,” White said, in a statement to People Magazine.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR "WHEEL OF FORTUNE?"
Two weeks after Sajak's announcement, American Idol and former "Live with Kelly and Ryan!" host, Ryan Seacrest, announced he would take over the position in an Instagram post.
"I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," he said in the post.
Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced that he signed a multiyear deal to host the game show.
In regard to working with him, White called Seacrest a professional at what he does.
"I think it's going to be good. He's such a nice guy and he loves what he does," White said to People Magazine.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR PAT SAJAK?
While many will miss seeing him on their television screens, Sajak is not leaving "Wheel of Fortune" entirely.
He will continue to be a consultant on the show for three years following his last time hosting, Suzanna Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement.