PAT SAJAK’s latest episode of Wheel of Fortune aired tonight, and it wasn’t without one last joke from the host.
Pat, 77, cut a round from his final show on June 7, 2024, but didn’t leave stunned players left empty-handed.
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After 43 years, 8,000 episodes, and more stupid answers than anyone could count, Pat is done with Wheel of Fortune.
He donned a double-breasted suit for his final show, while Vanna donned a bright red dress.
He appeared in court with three contestants: Tammy, Nino and Adrienne.
After the Toss Up round, Pat said that “most people know” that Friday night was his last episode.
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He explained that he needed to save time to share a few words at the end of the episode.
“We’re going to cut one round, which kind of robs you,” Pat admitted to the three confused contestants.
“Here’s what I’ve decided; it’s been a long time since I turned the wheel; I’m going to spin it and add $1,000 to everything I get, and everyone will get that amount.”
Pat went to the wheel and spun it himself and hit $1,000 for a total of $2,000.
He decided to increase this amount to $5,000 free for each player.
“It’s not my money!” he exclaimed as the contestants burst into laughter.
“Little Jimmy’s surgery can wait,” joked the host.
‘HERE FOR THIS!’
Fans loved the unexpected moment to end Pat’s social media tenure.
One user X wrote: “Pat Sajak went totally dishonest on his last night as host of Wheel of Fortune.”
“Pat just said I’m retiring and it’s not my money!!! I’m here for it. He just said, ‘Get someone else to do it,'” wrote another.
MESSAGE ON THE GO
Antics aside, Pat ended his time on Wheel with an incredible personal message for viewers.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said as he concluded the season and its four decades.
“I have some thanks and thanks before I go, and I want to start with everyone watching,” Pat began his long, graceful speech.
“It has been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said.
“What an honor to have played a small role in all of this. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
“Every time we recorded a show, I met three new people from all over this wonderful country and the world who were kind and caring.
“Who cheered for each other, who were very proud to talk about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs and even their pets.”
“In the end, they were the real stars of this show,” he continued. “I genuinely like these people and will miss the opportunity to get to know more of them.”
He said it was a “joy” to work with the team, “everyone came together. It worked because you made it work.”
And “finally, to my other professional half, dear Vanna. Like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself.
“I shudder to think what this show would be like if they brought in someone full of themselves to play the prima donna role.
“Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as they come. I want to thank you for your lovely send-off on yesterday’s show.
“Although I really miss working with her, I take comfort in the fact that we live about five miles apart, so we see a lot of each other,” he said.
“But I will miss our nightly closings, her laughter and her good nature. She is a very special woman.”
“I know you’re all pleased to know she’ll be back next season.”
Pat closed, promising you’ll see more of him in summer reruns.
“And that!” he concluded. “Thank you all very much and goodbye.”
Vanna gave her a hug as the audience screamed, thus concluding Pat’s last show.
Additionally, Pat’s time ended with a victory as Adrienne with $28,900 and nailed the bonus puzzle, winning another $50,000 – before Pat’s beautiful tribute ended her tenure.
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VANNA’S MOVING MESSAGE
During Pat’s penultimate episode on Thursday, Vanna, 67, delivered a touching message to Pat after 41 years together.
Pat then told viewers that Vanna had something prepared – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The broadcast cut to Vanna saying goodbye while crying in an incredible pre-recording video.
“I can’t believe tomorrow will be our last show together,” Vanna said, forcing a smile.
“I don’t know how to express in words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I will try.
“Eight thousand episodes passed like this.
“You made me feel so comfortable, so confident,” said Vanna, who became a letter-delivery legend.
“You made me who I am. You really did.”
“We laughed, we cried, we celebrated — my goodness. What an incredible and unforgettable journey we had.
Vanna added, holding back tears. “And I enjoyed every minute with you.”
She took a deep breath and continued as her eyes watered.
“You are like a brother to me and I consider you a true friend for life that I will always adore.”
“I love you, Pat.”
Vanna will continue as co-host and letter deliverer on Wheel of Fortune in season 42 with new host Ryan Seacrest this fall.
‘WONDERFUL RIDE’
Pat has been a mainstay on Wheel of Fortune for 41 years, so fans were shocked and thrilled when he announced his retirement.
Sajak revealed the news in a personal note on X, formerly Twitter, on June 12, 2023.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which starts in September, will be our last,” he tweeted.
“It’s been a wonderful journey and I’ll have more to say in the coming months.”
“Thank you very much to all of you. (At the very least, this will keep the clickbait sites busy!),” he added.
Pat will remain with the show as a producer to oversee the transition for the next three years.
GAIN LEGACY
Pat was born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, and began as a disc jockey and performed at several radio stations.
He also got a job serving in the US Army as a DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network during the war, entertaining soldiers in Vietnam.
Pat took over for original host Chuck Woolery in 1981 and became, for many, the last long-running game show host on TV.
Sajak has received 19 Emmy nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host and has won in the category three times.
Due to Sajak’s successful career, he has managed to accumulate an extensive net worth.
He has an estimated fortune of US$70 million, with an annual salary of US$14 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Pat will retire with the longest career hosting the same show in history, surpassing the previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
It’s also a pivotal time for TV game shows in general.
Pat is the ultimate old-school game show host.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
