How Pat Sajak Exited Wheel of Fortune After More Than 40 Years

Pat Sajak has completed his turn at the wheel. 

In fact, the longtime Wheel of Fortune host, who has been the series' leading man since 1981, just delivered his final goodbye to the show. 

"It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, year after year, decade after decade" the 77-year-old said in a message ahead of his final episode June 7. "And I've always felt the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun—no social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope—just a game."

However, throughout his 41-year run as host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat also noticed the far-reaching impact of the series. 

"Gradually it became more than that," he continued. "A place where 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."

The game show host concluded, "What an honor to play even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives."

And of course, Pat's partner in spins Vanna White was sure to bid him her own farewell, having joined him on the show only two years later in 1983. 

"I can't believe tomorrow is our last show together," she tearfully said on June 6. "I don't know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me but I'm gonna try. 8,000 episodes went by like that."

The 67-year-old also expressed how much her cohost's support has meant to her over the years. 

"When I first started, I was so green," she explained. "You made me so comfortable and made me so confident, Pat. You made me who I am."

She further noted how much the memories—on and off screen—have meant to her, adding, "What an incredible and unforgettable journey we've had."

But while Pat is departing the beloved game show, the wheel will keep spinning, and Vanna with it. For the show's upcoming 42nd season, which airs in September, she will be joined by Ryan Seacrest, who is taking over in Pat's place. 

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Ryan said in a statement last June after Pat's departure was announced. "I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's 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 feel right at home with them."

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