LOS ANGELES – In front of Pat Sajak In her final episode as host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Vanna White paid a moving tribute to her co-host of more than 40 years.
On Thursday’s episode of the beloved game show, White honored Sajak’s work and their friendship with a video segment that featured clips and photos that traced their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.
“As this chapter of our lives comes to an end, I know you will still be around. You are like a brother to me and I consider you a true friend for life who I will always adore,” she said. “I love you, Pat.”
White said that while their longtime professional collaboration has been meaningful to her — noting that he made her feel “so comfortable and so confident” when she first started — she said their personal friendship has meant so much more.
“As much fun as we have on camera, those memories, milestones and life events we share with our families, outside of the studio, are my favorites,” she said, appearing to hold back tears. “We watched our children grow up together, we traveled all over the world, we ate hundreds of meals together. We laugh, we cry, we celebrate.”
After the pre-recorded video segment ended, Sajak and White hugged on stage.
Sajak and White have been one of television’s most iconic duos since they began working together on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1982, when the show first aired in syndication. They appeared in more than 8,000 episodes together, with Sajak leading the contestants through the game and White turning over letters on the puzzle board.
Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023, making the show’s 41st season its last. White extended your contract in September during the 2025-2026 season and will help shepherd Sajak’s replacement, Ryan Seacrest, during his first two seasons in charge.
When Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s successor, Seacrest said in a statement that he was “truly honored” to take on the role.
“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 feel at home with them,” Seacrest said.
The final episode of Sajak will air on Friday.
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