Ryan Seacrest pays tribute to Pat Sajak after his final “Wheel of Fortune ”episode: 'An incredible run'
"You've set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era," said the game show icon's successor.
Ryan Seacrest is saluting Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak after his final episode.
The American Idol presenter, who will take over as the hit game show's host next season, penned a heartfelt message in honor of Sajak and his 41 years spent delighting fans and contestants on it.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!” Seacrest wrote on his Instagram account on Friday. “Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades. Your partnership with Vanna [White] has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”
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Ryan Seacrest; Pat SajakRelated: Watch Pat Sajak thank Wheel of Fortune fans in farewell message: 'It's been an incredible privilege'
He concluded, “You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”
Alongside his note, Seacrest included a snapshot of him smiling behind the show's big wheel with Sajak and White, as well as a soundless clip of the trio spending time together on set.
In June 2023, Sajak announced that he would retire from Wheel of Fortune after hosting the tile-turning show for 41 seasons. On Friday, the 77-year-old legend thanked viewers at the end of his last episode for tuning in “night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
He also took a moment to pay tribute to White, his longtime cohost and friend. "Like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself," he said. "I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role."
Sajak continued, "Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems. We've seen a lot of changes in each other's lives over the years, but we've always been there for each other."
Seacrest won’t make his official debut as a Wheel of Fortune host until fall 2024, but he’s already over the moon about it. “I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body,” he told PEOPLE last year. “Excitement is the word because it's such a phenomenal show. I grew up watching the show, and I can't wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”
As for Sajak, the presenter has already lined up his next gig: He will star in a limited-run production of Prescription: Murder at Honolulu’s Hawaii Theatre this July.
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