Pat Sajak has hosted "Wheel of Fortune" for over four decades, but his final week of shows is now upon us. The legendary game show host spoke to his daughter, Maggie, about his decision to retire and what's next for him.
After more than four decades as the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak is preparing to bid farewell to the iconic game show. This week marks his final week of hosting, culminating in a farewell episode that will air on Friday, June 7.
In a heartfelt conversation with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, Pat reflected on his incredible journey and shared his reasons for stepping down. "I've always said this to you, you've heard me say this dozens of times, I'd rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late," he explained.
Pat emphasized that while he still feels capable of hosting the show, he is eager to explore other aspects of his life. "There's also some other things in life that we'd like to do, and I'm enjoying this last year," he said. "It's been a great 40 years, and I'm looking forward to whatever's ahead."
When asked about his plans for the future, Pat hinted at a potential crossword puzzle endeavor and spending more time with his grandchildren. He shares two children with his wife, Lesly Brown Sajak: Maggie, who is a social media correspondent for "Wheel of Fortune," and Patrick, a doctor.
Reflecting on his final week of hosting, Pat expressed a surprising sense of peace. "You know, this was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago," he pointed out. "So I've had time to sort of get used to it, and it's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it in and reflecting on a great run."
Pat acknowledged the profound impact "Wheel of Fortune" has had on his life and the lives of countless viewers. "I do know that somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show, we became part of the popular culture, and more importantly, we became part of people's lives. And that's been awfully gratifying," he said.
Maggie expressed her gratitude for her father's remarkable contributions to the show. "This show means the world to us," she said, getting emotional. "It's been such a gift. You've made what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon. So thank you for these amazing 40-plus years."
In June 2023, Sajak announced his departure from "Wheel of Fortune." Ryan Seacrest was later named as his replacement, but many fans believe Maggie would have been a fitting successor.
In September 2022, Sajak surpassed Bob Barker as the longest-running host of any game show, having led "Wheel of Fortune" for an impressive 40 years.
As Pat Sajak prepares to say goodbye to "Wheel of Fortune," he leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic figures in television history. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of game show hosts and entertain audiences for years to come.
