Wheel of Fortune fans want to know what Sajak's retirement means for Vanna White
It’s hard to believe sometimes, but Wheel of Fortune existed without its most iconic duo, host Pat Sajak and letter-turner Vanna White. However, Sajak announced his retirement, promising an overhaul of the game’s most iconic personnel. So, what does the future hold for Vanna White?
White has called herself and Sajak a team, vehemently denying any chance to so much as think about a Wheel of Fortune without him. White’s recruitment onto Wheel of Fortune was determined, in strong part, by her easy chemistry with Sajak. What’s more, both were set to host together for at least another year. So, where does White go from here?
In the past, Sajak has admitted that he’s closer to retirement than ever before and now that next phase of his life has an impending date. “Well, the time has come,” he recently announced. “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… Many thanks to you all.”
Now, Wheel of Fortune fans want to know what Vann White’s future will look like without her partner in hosting.
Back in December 2022, White spoke with People and was asked about her or Sajak leaving the show. At that point, she said, “I don’t even want to think about that. I mean, we’re a team,” adding, “I can’t imagine [the show without her and Sajak]. Everybody relates Wheel of Fortune to Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters.”
Created by television mogul Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune began airing continuously starting in 1975 and got its most memorable pair of Sajak and White in ’82. So, when White responded to Sajak’s retirement announcement on Twitter, there was a lot to look back on – and a whole big unknown to look forward to.
“When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later?” she marveled on Twitter. “I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak!”
More often than not, White has sen herself and Sajak as a unit. That’s in no small part because they were brought on thanks to their synergy. “I think when Merv Griffin chose both of us, 40 and 41 years ago, he saw something between us — a brother-sister type relationship,” mused White. “And I think that is kind of what it is. He saw that we would be able to get along, and we do. We are like a brother and sister team.”
Family sticks together and White seemed ready to add another 40 years to their time together on the show. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but 40 years ago today I taped my first episode of @wheeloffortune,” she celebrated on the big anniversary last year. “It’s been a wonderful 40 years, too! I’m so grateful to those of you who watch and everyone behind the scenes who make us look good. We wouldn’t still be here without all of you!”
Sajak’s daughter Maggie has worked on the game’s social media accounts, but she has shared her career plans that are a bit different than game show hosting. White herself has worked as host when Sajak was out for surgery. According to Parade, Ryan Seacrest is reportedly a contender as Wheel of Fortune host replacement; an alleged source told Bloomberg he “has been talking to the producers.” Some fans, however, are lobbying for White to take over the role.
“With Pat Sajak retiring, the ONLY smart thing is to make VANNA WHITE the new host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE!” urged one viewer. Another echoed the sentiment, “With the news of Pat Sajak retiring, I’d like to formally begin the campaign of getting Vanna White to take over Wheel of Fortune.”
By time of writing, Wheel of Fortune has not shared any concrete plans for who shall host after Sajak officially departs. Who do you hope takes over and what the future holds for Vanna White?
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