Vanna White reveals where she stands with ex Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak after his retirement
Wheel of Fortune's beloved letter-turner Vann White is opening up about her relationship with the show's former host, Pat Sajak.
The 78-year-old Sajak hosted Wheel of Fortune from 1981 until his retirement in 2024, with Ryan Seacrest taking over.
While Sajak and White still host ABC's primetime version of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, she revealed him leaving the flagship show was a 'sad' time for her.
'It was sad for me in a way because [at the time] I didn't know what the future held. It was ending an unbelievable era!' she said at the Hulu Gets Real event (via TV Insider).
When asked if they stay in touch, Vanna said, 'I still see him! We're friends. We have dinner! Yeah, he's still in my life.'
She added that when they get back together, 'It's like slipping into something very comfortable. I mean that in the best possible way. It's just comfortable.'
Now White shares the stage with new Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest, who she also praised.
'Ryan did his homework. He rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed,' White said, before reassuring her he was not trying to replace Sajak.
'He also said to me, "I am not replacing Pat Sajak because no one could – ever. I am just stepping in,"' she revealed.
'That made me feel good because, as Ryan said, he's just stepping in – he's not trying to prove anything,' she added.
White and Sajak will be returning for the new season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which debuts Wednesday, April 30, which will be Pat's 'final spin' on the show.
An assortment of actors, athletes, singers and comedians will be on hand to compete and help celebrate his final moments helming the popular game show.
The all-star lineup for Sajak's last appearances include WNBA star Cameron Brink, Josh Gad, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Rachael Harris, Ellie Kemper, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee, Oscar Nuñez, Randall Park, Andrew Rannells, Sam Richardson, Matt Walsh and Rainn Wilson.
Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune welcomes celebrity contestants to spin the world's most famous wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win $1 million for the charity of their choice.
Wheel of Fortune, produced by Sony Pictures Television and executive produced by Bellamie Blackstone, is one of the most successful syndicated programs in the history of television.
White had extended her contract for additional two years to continue as co-host through the 2025–26 season.
In his final message, Sajak shared an emotional message to his longtime fans that aired on June 7, 2024.
'It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,' he said, in part, before adding, 'And 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.'
The Chicago native concluded by sharing, 'What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.'
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