Ryan Seacrest is ready to take the helm, but first he honors the man who came before him.
On Saturday, Seacrest (former) Wheel of Fortune Host, Pat Sajakafter saying goodbye to the legendary game series after more than 40 years.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm and wit made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” wrote Seacrest, 49. “Your partnership with Vanna was nothing short of iconic and together you created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You set the standard for hosts everywhere and this marks the end of an era. All the best in all your future endeavors!”
The American Idol The host’s message included a photo of himself behind the iconic wheel with 77-year-old Sajak and Vanna White. Seacrest rounded out his post with a video of himself, White and Sajak speaking on set.
Following the news of Sajak’s resignation, it was announced that Seacrest would take on the hosting role next to White, 67.
“I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said at the time. “I can say along with the rest of America that it was a privilege and a pure joy to have Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and making us feel at home.”
rhyme turned the wheel one last time on Friday before saying goodbye to the show. Sajak – who had been a host since 1981 – became emotional as he said goodbye.
“I want to thank you and express my appreciation before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there,” Sajak said in his farewell speech on the Wheel of Fortune “It was an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, decade after decade.”
Last week, Sajak and his daughter Maggie sat down for an interview with Good morning America, where the veteran presenter spoke about the most touching aspects of his time hosting the show over four decades.
“At some point we became more than just a popular show. We became part of pop culture. And more importantly, we became part of people’s lives. And that was incredibly satisfying,” he said.
Sajak has already planned his next appearance! The TV personality will play the lead role in a new version of Recipe: Murder, diversity reported last week. Sajak will star alongside Joe Moore in the play, which will run from July 31 to August 10, 2025 at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu.
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