A changing of the guard is underway at Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s retirement.
The long-running game show will have its first new host in more than forty years.
And Ryan Seacrest uttered five words about Wheel of Fortune that left Pat Sajak speechless.
Seacrest celebrates Sajak’s legacy on Wheel of Fortune
Pat Sajak said goodbye during an emotional final episode as the host of Wheel of Fortune.
He announced on social media last year that he would be retiring after hosting more than 8,000 episodes of the beloved game show.
The show’s producers quickly tapped American Idol host Ryan Seacrest as his replacement.
Tributes poured in for Sajak as his time as the host of Wheel of Fortune came to a close.
Seacrest praised him in a tribute posted to social media, saying he “set the standard for hosts.”
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!” Seacrest wrote on his Instagram account. Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades. Your partnership with Vanna [White] has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”
“You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!” he concluded.
He shared a short video of him, Sajak, and letter-turner Vanna White on the Wheel of Fortune set.
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Seacrest will begin filming episodes this summer for the next season of the show, which is set to debut this fall.
He told People last year that he was already excited to become the host of Wheel of Fortune.
“I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body,” Seacrest said at the time. “Excitement is the word because it’s such a phenomenal show. I grew up watching the show, and I can’t wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Sajak thanks fans and White during his final episode
Sajak thanked fans during the final episode for tuning in “night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
He and White have become TV royalty after working together on the show since 1982.
The 77-year-old TV icon thanked White, his longtime friend and co-host.
“Like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself,” Sajak said. “I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role.”
“Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems,” he continued. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other.”
White is staying on as the letter-turner for at least two more seasons to help with the show’s transition to the Seacrest era.
Sajak’s next project is starring in the play Prescription: Murder in Hawaii next summer.
Wheel of Fortune won’t be quite the same next season without the steady presence of Pat Sajak as the host.
