Pat Sajak Shares Emotional Farewell in Final ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Episode
It’s the end of an era. Pat Sajak’s final episode of Wheel of Fortune is set to air on Friday evening after more than four decades hosting the popular game show. And as he prepares to ride off into the sunset, the host’s emotional goodbye message to fans has leaked online.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak says in the clip, obtained by the New York Post. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with 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.”
“And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a 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 continued. (Though, the show has had its share of awkward moments over the years.)
“But gradually, it became more than that—a place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together, along with friends and neighbors and entire generations,” he fondly remembered.
“What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that,” Sajak added. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Pat Sajak says goodbye to “Wheel of Fortune” viewers in emotional video
Sajak’s longtime co-host Vanna White said her own goodbye to the 77-year-old on his second-to-last episode of Thursday.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together. I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try,” she started off. “Eight thousand episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable and so confident, Pat. You made me who I am.”
White noted that while the pair had grown together on television throughout the years, they’ve also shared even more memories and milestones with their families outside of the studio.
“What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you,” she continued, barely holding back tears.
“As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by,” White concluded. “You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”
Following Sajak’s swan song, Ryan Seacrest has been chosen to host the show going forward. But the 77-year-old isn’t retiring just yet. Next, he’ll appear in a stage production of Prescription: Murder, which will run from July 31 to Aug. 10, 2025, at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu.
