Vanna White, the enigmatic letter-turner of "Wheel of Fortune," has mulled over her future with the long-running game show following the departure of her co-host Pat Sajak.
Vanna White, the iconic letter-turner of "Wheel of Fortune," has contemplated retirement after her longtime co-host Pat Sajak announced his impending departure from the beloved game show. In an interview with TV Insider, the 67-year-old TV personality shared her thoughts on her future with "Wheel of Fortune."
"I don’t know. When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire too. But I’m not ready!" White exclaimed.
White's contract extension in September 2023, which secures her presence on the show for an additional two years, has raised questions about her long-term plans. She remains indecisive, stating, "We’ll see toward the end of those two years how I feel."
The iconic letter-turner expressed her unwavering love for her job, saying, "I thank God after all these years that I still love my job." However, she admitted that Pat Sajak's retirement announcement made her question her own future with the show.
White's departure would mark the end of an era for "Wheel of Fortune," as she and Sajak have co-hosted the show since 1982. Their on-screen chemistry and infectious laughter have become synonymous with the game show's success.
In July 2023, White inked a new deal with ABC to continue hosting "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" after receiving a substantial pay raise. Rumors had circulated for months that White was holding out on returning to the series unless she received a pay increase.
During an interview with People magazine in October, White addressed the internet rumors surrounding her contract negotiations. "Everything is so blown out of proportion, not just with my stuff, with everybody's stuff," she said.
White emphasized her strong character, stating, "I'm not going to do anything I don't want to do or that I don't believe in. My mother taught me that at a young age, and I'm sticking to my guns."
Specific details about White's contract renewals with "Wheel of Fortune" and "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" remain undisclosed.
Sajak, 77, announced his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune" in June 2023 after 41 seasons. While stepping down as host, he will serve as a consulting producer on the show for an additional three years. Ryan Seacrest will take over as host, in addition to becoming a consulting producer.
Over his illustrious career on the series, Sajak garnered 23 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, winning three. He taped his final episode in April, which will air on June 7.
White reflected on Sajak's departure, admitting, "I can’t describe how I feel. I feel happy for him. I can’t imagine doing the show without him after 41 years. I sum it up as [like] reading a good book. It always has to end. This has been the best book I’ve ever read."
Despite Sajak's departure, White remains optimistic about the show's future. She and Sajak have created unforgettable memories over the years and will remain close friends.
"I don’t think there’s anything [he and I] haven’t talked about in 8,000 shows," she said.
White concluded, "We’ve traveled around the world together. We’ve watched our kids grow up together. We’ve thrown pies in each other’s faces. He’s so funny! I love him like a brother. Gosh, I’ve known him longer than I’ve known anybody."
"We will be friends forever."
