Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak has revealed why he decided to quit the beloved game show after more than 40 years – admitting he could have easily stayed at the helm.
The long-serving presenter, 77, has hosted the show since 1981, but announced he would be retiring last June after the 41st season.
Ahead of Pat’s final episode this Friday, he sat down for a Good Morning America interview with his daughter Maggie and explained why now is the ‘right time’ to leave.
Maggie, 29, who serves as the show’s social media correspondent, asked: ‘What made you decide that this is the right time for you to leave the show?’
‘I have always said, you heard me say this dozens of times – I’d rather leave a couple years too early than too late,’ Pat replied.
Pat Sajak has opened up about why he decided to quit Wheel of Fortune after more than 40 years
In a new interview on Good Morning America, Pat, 77, sat down with his daughter Maggie, 29, to discuss why it was the right time to leave
‘Could I still do it? Yeah. I think I could for a while. [But]there’s also some other things in life we’d like to do.’
He continued: ‘I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years. I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.’
While Pat has said he’s open to new projects, he’s looking forward to the simple life.
‘I’m happy if it just means I’ll continue with my cross-word puzzles and play with my grandchildren,’ he told his daughter, before adding: ‘Hint hint. No pressure.’
Wrapping up their chat, Maggie said: ‘The show means the world to us. It’s been such a gift and you have made what could have just been hangman into a cultural phenomenon.’
‘So thank you for the amazing 40 plus years,’ she added, while beginning to choke up.
Pat then got to his feet to give his daughter – who was visibly overcome with emotion – a hug.
The departing host will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest following his final episode on Friday, while his longtime co-host Vanna White will remain on the show.
Pat stood up to hug his daughter after she became visibly overcome with emotion over her dad’s retirement
Pat (center) pictured with Vanna White and Dwight Schultz on Wheel Of Fortune in 1985, four years after he first took over the hosting gig from Chuck Woolery
The long-serving presenter has been hosting the show since 1981, but last June he announced he would be retiring after the 41st season
Following his departure, Pat will remain involved with Wheel of Fortune for another three years as a consultant, according to Sony Pictures Television’s executive vice president of game shows, Suzanne Prete.
Ryan recently opened up about his upcoming role, a position that he will assume this September. He will also serve as a consulting producer for the program.
Speaking about his co-star Vanna, he told E! News: ‘Of course, being next to Vanna, she’s a legend. She’s an icon.
‘We spent a little shooting some promos for next season, and she’s just so down to earth. She’s exactly what you would expect.
‘It’s just so exciting to think about being on that set. I’ve watched the show for so many decades. I’m a fan of the show, and the game is the star.’
Pat announced he was leaving Wheel of Fortune on June 12, 2023, after the 41st season of the show wrapped.
‘Well the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,’ he said.
‘It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.’
Ryan Seacrest will be stepping into Pat’s role as host when the new season lands in September
Pat started hosting Wheel of Fortune on December 28, 1981, taking over from Chuck Woolery who hosted from the show’s premiere in 1975 until he left over a salary dispute.
Vanna joined the show in 1982 after the original host Susan Stafford left to become a humanitarian worker.
Last September, she extended her contract for two years, running through the 2025-26 season.
The new inking came after she had been locked in a ‘stubborn’ stalemate with ABC bosses as she fought to get a pay rise – having gone years without one.
Wheel of Fortune was created by Merv Griffin and is the longest-running syndicated game show in the US.
