Pat Sajak has announced his retirement, delivering an emotional farewell speech in which he expressed deep gratitude for the “incredible privilege” of being welcomed into viewers’ homes over the years.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” Sajak remarked. “I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family, fun, no social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope—just a game.”
Sajak reflected on how the show evolved beyond just a game, becoming a venue “where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together, along with friends and neighbors and entire generations.“
He also took the time to thank the show’s staff and crew, along with his co-host Vanna White, whom he described as “as sweet and unassuming as she seems.”
In his closing words, Sajak simply said, “That’s it. Thank you all so very much and goodbye.”
Wheel of Fortune fans can still catch Sajak on their screens for the next few months during the show’s summer reruns, but his official retirement signifies the end of an era for the beloved game show.
