Fans bid farewell to Pat Sajak, thank 'Wheel of Fortune' host for a 'historic' run
Pat Sajak’s reign on “Wheel of Fortune” has officially come to an end.
And Sajak, who served as host for 41 seasons of the game show, has already said goodbye, thanking the audience “for allowing me into your lives,” USA TODAY reported. The 77-year-old first announced his departure from the show last June, saying that it had been “a wonderful ride.”
The clip, set to air June 7, featured an emotional Sajak, speaking about the “incredible privilege” it has been to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.
“And I've always felt that privilege came with the 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,” Sajak says.
But “Wheel” did become something more, thanks to its global reach, Sajak said.
It became an event “where families came together along with friends and neighbors and entire generations," he said in the clip. "What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that.”
Here's what "Wheel" fans are saying about Sajak's departure online.
'Wheel of Fortune' fans share favorite moments, offer tributes
“Wheel of Fortune” has been airing tributes to Sajak in a segment called “Thanks for the Memories" the whole week, giving fans a chance to watch exclusive content, including flashbacks to different eras, funniest moments, interviews.
Many, including co-host Vanna White, are sad to see Sajak go, thanking the beloved game show host for a great run.
"I can't believe tomorrow is our last show together," White said, in a video tribute that aired Thursday. "I don't know how to put into words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I'm going to try. Eight thousand episodes went by like that."
White will continue on as co-host and letter-turner on "Wheel of Fortune," except she will now lead the show alongside Ryan Seacrest, who is set to replace Sajak for Season 42. "Wheel" fans have taken to social media to offer emotional tributes and share favorite moments.
Maggie Sajak, who has worked on "Wheel" since 2021 alongside her father, posted a throwback of a young Pat Sajak standing beside a television in a tuxedo.
Many, many years ago I was a production assistant on a project with Pat Sajak. He is one of the most intelligent, kind, and professional people I’ve met. Have a wonderful next chapter!! Pat Sajak says goodbye to 'Wheel of Fortune' as he retires: video https://t.co/loKkPX84gu
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) June 7, 2024
Farewell Pat! Thanks for being the gameshow host of a lifetime! @WheelofFortune 👏🏾 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/KgtRNZSiK9
— Codi (@Codishaa) June 7, 2024
After 41 years of entertaining millions of families as the host of Wheel of Fortune, today is the final episode of Pat Sajak’s run! Enjoy retirement Pat you will be missed and will forever be etched into the books as an American icon! 🤩🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7ydQERWNNo
— 🔥🇺🇸 KC 🇺🇸🔥 (@KCPayTreeIt) June 7, 2024
Vanna had me with that tribute #WheelOfFortune pic.twitter.com/goSs6i4ktZ
— JWalk (@TVTalkWithJWalk) June 6, 2024
Tell yall grandparents that Pat and Vanna won’t be on Wheel of Fortune anymore they retiring ….. Remember staying at your grandparents house and this came on around 4 or 5 every afternoon? Man Good Times pic.twitter.com/LZVnwPS3ZY
— Maybe: Jacoby (@Getthebagcoach) June 7, 2024
grew up on jeopardy, the price is right, and wheel of fortune. all the OG hosts are gone.
— simran k. (@simrankaleka) June 7, 2024
Wheel of Fortune really did help me learn my letters as a kid like the man said. Shout out Pat Sajak on a hell of a run.
pic.twitter.com/bmZTH3U0qa— Mike Piellucci (@mikelikessports) June 7, 2024
Iconic Wheel of Fortune host @patsajak’s final episode airs tonight, ending a historic 41-year run.
I feel so fortunate to have shared the stage with him for a magical day 20 years ago, fulfilling a dream like so many others “before & after” me.
Thank you Pat, happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/Kt1e0FO4Iw— Kijani 🔜 AC (@kijani_lion) June 7, 2024
Liza Minnelli has outlived Pat Sajak’s time on "Wheel of Fortune." His final episode airs today after more than 40 years as host. The Trump supporter will now have more time to devote to right-wing causes and conspiracies.
— LizaMinnelliOutlives (@LiZaOutlives) June 7, 2024
You may remember Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune. I remember Pat Sajak from the nightmare fuel he gave me in only 20 seconds in this Rugrats episode. pic.twitter.com/K6HrNFRFRj
— Zaskyl (@Zaskyl) June 7, 2024
All time #WheelOfFortune moment right here pic.twitter.com/Nu5j47FcSm
— Taylor J (@TayVictoria8) May 23, 2024
heard it's someone's last night on #wheeloffortune. thanks, regis. pic.twitter.com/QPzn4fbzpv
— Family Guy (@FamilyGuyonFOX) June 7, 2024
For Pat Sajak's last day as a game-show host, here's the lone reference to Wheel of Fortune in "Peanuts," from July 30, 1993. pic.twitter.com/tMPXN89uq4
— Luke Epplin (@LukeEpplin) June 7, 2024
Tomorrow Pat Sajak wraps up being Wheel of Fortune host. Here’s @LauraleeB4real on her first Wheel debut. Those lights are bright and what 24 year old would be focused on bifocals. 🤓 thank you Pat Sajak and Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/BODMdRJwof
— Danny_Cricket_fan (@dannycricketfan) June 6, 2024
Before the Horn, a look back at @patsajak's storied career wouldn't be complete without remembering his Around the Horn appearance!
Congrats on 41 years of Wheel of Fortune, Pat 👏 pic.twitter.com/TIBQ5ZeKjt— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) June 7, 2024
Contributing: Bryan Alexander
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wheel' fans share favorite moments, offer tributes to Pat Sajak