Pat Sajak honors Vanna White in last ;Wheel of Fortune’ episode

Before bidding farewell to ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ Pat Sajak expresses gratitude to his co-host, Vanna White.

On Friday, June 7, after 40 years, the renowned game show host, aged 77, wrapped up his tenure on 'Wheel of Fortune' with a heartfelt speech, thanking his dedicated viewers, his team, and his family.

After expressing gratitude to the community of individuals who contributed to Wheel of Fortune's success, he turned his attention to his longtime co-host, White. 

"Finally, to my professional other half, dear Vanna," he said. "Like me, she takes the show very seriously but not herself. I shudder to think what these 40 years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role."

"I wanna thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday's show," he continued, referencing White's touching tribute from the episode before. "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 added.

Sajak, who started hosting 'Wheel of Fortune' in 1981, initially revealed his retirement in June 2023.