WHEEL OF FORTUNE Host Vanna White Thanks God She Loves Her Job
By Movieguide® Contributor
Vanna White isn’t leaving WHEEL OF FORTUNE anytime soon.
Although the host has been on the show since 1982, she still has at least two years left after signing a new deal. She’s contemplated retiring but isn’t ready to leave just yet.
“When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire too. But I’m not ready! We’ll see toward the end of those two years how I feel. I thank God after all these years that I still love my job,” White shared in an interview with TV Insider.
Long-time co-host Pat Sajak announced his retirement in 2023. He’ll leave the game show when its 41st season concludes on June 7. Ryan Seacrest will take his place.
When asked how she feels about Sajak’s departure, White said, “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.”
White also shared her fond memories of her friend.
“I don’t think there’s anything [he and I] haven’t talked about in 8,000 shows. 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,” she said.
Movieguide® previously reported on Sajak’s retirement:
Ryan Seacrest has been named as the next host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE following longtime host Pat Sajak’s retirement.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement about his new gig. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Seacrest’s hiring as the game show’s new host comes just a few weeks after Sajak’s announcement that he would be retiring.
In a statement, Sajak told fans, “Well, the time has come. 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.”
Sajak will stay on as a consultant at WHEEL OF FORTUNE for three years following his retirement from hosting duties. He has been the host of the game show since 1983.
