Ryan Seacrest Pays Tribute to Pat Sajak Following His Final Episode of ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Ryan Seacrest honored Pat Sajak after his official departure from the show, Wheel of Fortune. Sajak bid farewell to the game show after hosting it for four decades. Seacrest, the American Idol host, is taking over Sajak’s position, but before that, he penned a heartfelt message to pay tribute to Sajak.
He shared a photo of himself, Sajak, and Vanna White and wrote on his Instagram account, “Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!”
He also added that Sajak’s “dedication, charm, and wit” made the show a favorite among the people on “American television for decades.”
He further continued that Sajar’s partnership with Vanna “created countless wonderful memories for viewers” and continued, “You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era.”
Seacrest concluded the post by wishing him for his future: “Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”
Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023, after 41 seasons. He wrote at that time on social media, “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months.”
Sajak’s last episode aired on Friday, and he gave a farewell speech to show his gratitude for his beloved audience. He said, “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
He also paid tribute to his co-host, Vanna White; he said, “Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems.” He also added, “We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other.”
White also honored her longtime co-host through a video posted on the show’s social media account. She said in that video, “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 gonna try.”
Seacrest was replaced to host the show one month after Sajak’s departure announcement. In April, he talked to ‘People’ about taking over the hosting duties of the show. He said, “Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible.”
Sajak started to host the TV game show, Wheel of Fortune, in 1981. For his hosting, he got 19 Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host and won three. In 2019, he held the Guinness World Record for serving his career as a game show host for the longest time.