Vanna White Is Reportedly 'Worried' Her 'Wheel Of Fortune' Days Are Numbered

Yahoo

14 hours ago

Vanna White is not ready for those goodbyes!
The media personality is reportedly in a state of panic over the possibility of being replaced on her eight-figure-earning hosting job.
Vanna White joined the famous show "Wheel of Fortune" in 1982 as a co-host alongside television veteran Pat Sajak. Now, she is the new host, Ryan Seacrest's partner in progress.
Sources close to the show are stating that Pat's daughter, Maggie Sajak, stands out as a likely replacement for the 68-year-old. Maggie reportedly joined the show as its social correspondent in 2021, which means she is not a stranger to how things run on and off the screen.
Although insiders confirm that no offers have been put on the table yet, Maggie remains an attractive choice because she is younger and a more prudent option.
Maggie reportedly earns significantly less than Vanna's $10 million per year, and the show's producers view her as a way to cut costs. "It's no wonder Vanna is worried," the source noted.
Sources also reveal that her latest significant salary increase, which was negotiated after Pat's replacement, Ryan Seacrest, reportedly more than tripled her previous earnings.
Vanna's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and the powers that be are not willing to sit down at the discussion table for any more increases.
Another insider explained to RadarOnline that the TV host was able to have things go her way the last time because the producers and the network were in a different position. However, now things may not work in her favor, and she is reportedly concerned because "what other gig pays $10 million for only 34 days of work?"
Yes, Vanna gets paid a sumptuous $10 million a year for appearing on set for a total of 34 days. Back in March, E! Online shared the version of events from Vanna's POV when she appeared on the Morning Show.
In her words, "We film about 34 days a year. That's it. But we film six shows a day. Come on, you could feel bad for me." Vanna did not get any sympathy for apparently having such a great time at her job, but the host shared that she does not see her days off as any form of vacation.
She also explained how the show producers made her job easier by switching from a manually controlled system to a high-tech environment that allows her to do fewer physical tasks while on set.
Vanna noted that the production team installed a laser system that works in conjunction with her hand motion to "light up" the letters and perform other functions.
Co-hosting the "Wheel of Fortune" for decades has earned the TV personality "a half-hour of family, and escape from much." She emphasized that the show leaves a positive trail in her path, and she enjoys "being part of that."
The South Carolina native proved she is still young at heart when she got her first-ever tattoo earlier in the year from her daughter, Gigi Santo Pietro. Vanna welcomed her daughter, Gigi, and her son, Nikko, with her ex-husband, George Santo Pierro, before their divorce in 2002.
The Blast reported that Vanna revealed she decided to get the pink-hued tattoo in her inner wrist so she could get a good look at it daily and think about her daughter. Although her daughter did the honors of giving her her first ink, Vanna clarified that it was 100% her choice to go through with the process.
The 68-year-old nervously settled for her daughter's favorite shade of pink after minutes of deliberation. During the process, she was surprised it did not hurt as much as she had pictured it in her head.
When her tattoo was finally revealed, Vanna cheered and, with a thankful heart, noted to her daughter that it was exactly what she had wanted.
Tattoos are not the only thing that elates the former beauty pageant contestant. The pace of her current relationship with John Donaldson also makes her smile.
The actress revealed during an interview that while they have not made things official by walking down the aisle, they maintain a deep level of commitment towards each other.
She described Donaldson as the masculine version of herself, who understands her person and vice versa. Vanna noted that they have been a couple for 12 years and often feel like they are a married couple.
"Do we have to get married? No, because we feel comfortable in our relationship. You know what I mean? I know that he's the one. He knows I'm the one," the author declared.
She continued that the topic of marriage rarely comes up in their conversations because they are aware of their feelings for each other.
The multi-talented personality also gives excellent advice, and Ryan attested to this when he began his role as Pat's replacement on the show.
The 50-year-old recalled that Vanna encouraged him to go out there and have a blast. Vanna reportedly educated him about the show and how it affords one the advantage to loosen up and be the best version of themselves.
"It has a little looseness to it. It doesn't have to be so strict and so formatted. It has those moments of real life and humanity," said the 68-year-old to the former "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" producer.
Ryan filled Pat's big shoes as the show's new host in 2024, taking over the baton from Pat, who had brought smiles to the faces of contestants on the beloved game show for four decades.
"Thank you for the very warm welcome. Hosting 'Wheel of Fortune' is a dream job. I've been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family," Ryan declared in his debut episode for the show's 42nd season, which premiered last September.
What does the future hold for Vanna White as 2026 approaches?