Pat Sajak bids farewell to 'Wheel of Fortune' after 4 decades, reflecting on its legacy and impact

Pat Sajak reflected on the show's impact on families, emphasizing its role as a source of joy and togetherness.

Pat Sajak has officially bid adieu to his role as the host of Wheel of Fortune after an impressive 40-year run.

In his final episode on Friday, June 7th, the 77-year-old host addressed his audience with a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude not only to the viewers but also to the dedicated team behind the scenes who contributed to the show's enduring success.

"The time has come to say goodbye," he began. "I want to start by thanking all of you watching out there. It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, year after year, decade after decade."

Sajak shared how the "privilege" of hosting Wheel of Fortune came with "the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun, free from social issues and politics."

With a chuckle, he reflected on how the gameshow "gradually became more" than just entertainment. He described how Wheel of Fortune evolved into a platform where "kids learn their letters," people from around the world "hone their English skills," and families, friends, neighbors, and "entire generations" could connect.

"What an honour to play even a small part in all that," Sajak continued. "Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Every time we taped a show, I met three new people from all parts of this wonderful country and the world who were kind and considerate, who rooted for each other, who took great pride in talking about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets."

He added, "In the end, they were the real stars of the show. I genuinely like these people and I'll miss the chance to meet more of them."

The television personality also extended his gratitude to the staff and crew, some of whom he'd shared the stage with for "5 years, 10 years, 20, 30 and more." He described the joy of working alongside such a skilled and dedicated team, stating that they "made this a place I always wanted to be."

In recent years, Sajak found particular joy in working with his daughter Maggie Sajak and witnessing her growth as the show's social correspondent.

"Maggie is liked around here because she's talented and smart and funny, but she's loved around here because she's kind and caring and humble," he shared, adding how he and his wife Lesly are "blessed" to have such "wonderful" children in Maggie and her brother Patrick.

Finally, Sajak paid tribute to his "professional other half," his co-host Vanna White, expressing his gratitude for having been paired with someone as "sweet and unassuming" as she appears.

"We've seen a lot of changes in each other's lives over the years, but we've always been there for each other," he smiled. "While I'll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart so we'll see plenty of each other. But I will miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature."

"She's a very special woman and I know you're all pleased to know she'll be back next season," he assured the audience, noting that they can still catch him in summer reruns. "The jokes will be the same, but I'll appreciate it if you laugh again anyways."

"Thank you all again so much and goodbye," Sajak concluded.