Pat Sajak is one of the most beloved game show hosts of all time, but the longtime face of Wheel of Fortune has decided to retire at the end of the show’s upcoming 41st season.
Sajak has been hosting Wheel of Fortune since 1981, and he dropped the bombshell announcement on Monday afternoon.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on social media. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Though Sajak may be ready for his final spin, he won’t be walking away entirely, as he’ll remain involved as a consultant going forward for the next three years, according to Sony Pictures Television, which produced the weeknight mainstay.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season,” Sony Pictures Television EVP Suzanne Prete said in a statement. “Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!”
Sajak first began hosting the daytime edition of Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 1989 before taking on nighttime duties in 1983. Over the decades, Sajak has been nominated for 19 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning the award three times.
No word from Vanna White at press time, but if she issues a statement, we’ll be sure to update this post. And as a longtime fan of Wheel of Fortune, thanks for everything, Pat!
