Fans bid farewell to Pat Sajak, thank 'Wheel of Fortune' host for a 'historic' run

Pat Sajak’s reign on “Wheel of Fortune” has officially come to an end. 

And Sajak, who served as host for 41 seasons of the game show, has already said goodbye, thanking the audience “for allowing me into your lives,” USA TODAY reported. The 77-year-old first announced his departure from the show last June, saying that it had been “a wonderful ride.”

The clip, set to air June 7, featured an emotional Sajak, speaking about the “incredible privilege” it has been to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.

“And I've always felt that privilege came with the 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 says.  

But “Wheel” did become something more, thanks to its global reach, Sajak said. 

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It became an event “where families came together along with friends and neighbors and entire generations," he said in the clip.  "What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that.”

Here's what "Wheel" fans are saying about Sajak's departure online.

'Wheel of Fortune' fans share favorite moments, offer tributes

“Wheel of Fortune” has been airing tributes to Sajak in a segment called “Thanks for the Memories" the whole week, giving fans a chance to watch exclusive content, including flashbacks to different eras, funniest moments, interviews.

Many, including co-host Vanna White, are sad to see Sajak go, thanking the beloved game show host for a great run.

"I can't believe tomorrow is our last show together," White said, in a video tribute that aired Thursday. "I don't know how to put into words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I'm going to try. Eight thousand episodes went by like that."

White will continue on as co-host and letter-turner on "Wheel of Fortune," except she will now lead the show alongside Ryan Seacrest, who is set to replace Sajak for Season 42. "Wheel" fans have taken to social media to offer emotional tributes and share favorite moments.

Maggie Sajak, who has worked on "Wheel" since 2021 alongside her father, posted a throwback of a young Pat Sajak standing beside a television in a tuxedo.

Contributing: Bryan Alexander