Vanna White Shares Chummy Pic with New “Wheel of Fortune” Co-Host Ryan Seacrest Ahead of His Debut

Seacrest will join the game show for season 42, starting this fall

Ryan Seacrest is settling in nicely to his new role alongside Vanna White.

On Tuesday, July 9, the new co-host of Wheel of Fortune spent some quality time with White, 67, as they enjoyed a meal together between "friends."

"Friends on and off camera," White captioned an Instagram post as she shared a photo of her and Seacrest, 49, at dinner. "Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!"

Seacrest will join White at the helm of the beloved game show beginning this fall following longtime host Pat Sajak's retirement.

Related: Ryan Seacrest Says He's 'Lucky' to Work with Vanna White as She Joins Him to Guest Co-Host American Idol (Exclusive)

Sajak, 77, bid farewell to the series on June 7. During his final episodes, he shared an emotional speech with viewers, calling the 40-year hosting gig "an incredible privilege."

He noted that the show evolved into a place where "kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations."

"What an honor to play even a small part in all of that," he continued. "Thank you for allowing me into your lives."

Seacrest was announced as Sajak's replacement last summer, weeks after the retirement announcement. The American Idol host paid tribute to the pioneer following his departure, calling Sajak the "standard for hosts everywhere."

"Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades. Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers," Seacrest wrote on Instagram.

Related: Vanna White Gets Emotional as She Bids Farewell to 'Brother' Pat Sajak Ahead of His Final Wheel of Fortune Episode

Sajak, who began hosting the show in 1981, officially passed the torch to Seacrest in a promo video for season 42 that aired in June.

The radio broadcaster host called the Wheel of Fortune set "impressive" as Sajak, 77, told him, "The contestants are going to love you."

He also praised White, who co-hosted alongside him for 39 years and has signed on to stay for the 2025-2026 season with Seacrest, as he said, "You're never going to find a better job and you're never going to find a better co-host."

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Seacrest told PEOPLE that he feels some pressure as he steps into the hosting gig, as he wants people to continue to "love watching" the show.

"No one can ever do what Pat has done. He's incredible. He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him."

Seacrest added that he can only "hope to do a great job as well."

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Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights (check local listings).

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