Pat Sajak says goodbye to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans in video

WASHINGTON — In an emotional tribute released ahead of his final episode, longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak thanked fans for letting him into their lives, calling it an “incredible privilege.” 

Sajak, 77, has hosted the ever-popular game show for 41 seasons, with more than 8,000 episodes under his belt. He announced last year that he would be retiring.

The farewell video was released as a teaser for Friday’s episode, which was taped back on April 5. 

The message Sajak recorded ahead of his departure is simple: just him on the darkened Wheel of Fortune set, speaking directly to the camera. 

Here’s his full farewell message to fans: 

“Well, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. 

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.

But gradually it became more than that — a place 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. 

What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”

Sajak’s run as host began in 1981, and he will go out on top, as the longest-running host of a single game show in modern TV history.

Sajak’s longtime partner and “letter turner” Vanna White, who began the show with him decades ago, honored his legacy and their friendship Thursday on their penultimate episode together. 

The show ended with a video segment that featured clips and photos tracing their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.

“As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by. You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore,” White said. “I love you, Pat.”

White said that while their long-running work collaboration has been significant to her — noting that he made her feel “so comfortable and so confident” when she started — she said their personal friendship has meant much more.

“As much fun as we had on camera, those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families, outside the studio, are my favorite,” she said, seeming to hold back tears. “We’ve watched our children grow up together, we’ve traveled all over the world, we’ve eaten hundreds of meals together. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve celebrated.”

But “Wheel of Fortune” won’t be ending anytime soon. Ryan Seacrest will become the new host starting with Season 42 in the fall. 

It’s the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement at the time it was announced. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”

White will also return through at least 2026, after signing a contract extension with ABC.