After a successful 41-year run as host of the iconic game show “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak bid farewell to viewers in the season 41 finale. The episode, titled “Thanks for the memories,” opened with a clip from Sajak’s first episode in 1981 and closed with his heartfelt message of gratitude to the show’s loyal audience. Sajak expressed his gratitude for the privilege of being welcomed into millions of homes night after night for decades, as well as for his longtime co-host, Vanna White, with whom he has worked for over 40 years.
In his final show, Sajak extended thanks and shoutouts to the crew and staff of “Wheel of Fortune,” acknowledging their dedication and good humor. He specifically mentioned his daughter, Maggie, who became the show’s social correspondent in 2021, and expressed how working together has been the best part of the last few years. Sajak also took a moment to appreciate his family, including his son Patrick and wife Lesly, whom he described as blessings in his life.
Reflecting on the impact of the show, Sajak acknowledged the contestants as the real stars of “Wheel of Fortune,” praising their kindness and considerate nature. He emphasized the show’s role as a safe place for family fun, intentionally avoiding social issues and political topics during his interactions with contestants and White. Sajak noted the show’s significance in helping viewers of all ages learn letters, hone English skills, and come together as families and communities. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have played a small part in such a meaningful experience for many viewers.
As a parting shot, Sajak humorously mentioned that viewers could continue to see him through reruns of the show during its summer break, urging them to laugh at the familiar jokes. Despite cutting out a round in the final episode, he ensured that contestants still had a fair opportunity to win by spinning the wheel himself and adding bonus cash to their totals. Sajak light-heartedly joked about prioritizing a fictional character “Little Jimmy’s surgery” over allocating prize money, adding to the warm and humorous tone of his farewell message.
During her tribute to Sajak on the penultimate episode, Vanna White described him as a brother and a true lifelong friend, emphasizing the deep personal bond they share beyond their professional collaboration. Sajak had announced his retirement in June 2023, passing the torch to Ryan Seacrest as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune” starting from the next season. White, on the other hand, will continue as Seacrest’s co-host through the 2025-2026 season, following a contract extension she signed in September. The legacy of Sajak’s tenure as host of “Wheel of Fortune” will continue to be cherished by fans and viewers as the show moves into a new chapter with Seacrest at the helm.
