It’s almost impossible to believe that Pat Sajak‘s run on Wheel of Fortune ends this week. The man has been at his job since 1981, longer than many of its viewers have been alive, and as his role as host winds down, he spoke to his daughter, Wheel‘s social correspondent Maggie Sajak, about what his plans are for the future.
In an interview that aired today on Good Morning America, the father-daughter duo discussed Pat’s exit from the game show, which was first announced in 2023. Maggie asked, “What made you decide that this was the right time for you to leave the show?”
Pat replied, “I’ve always said to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, I’d rather leave a couple years too early than a couple of years too late.
“Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could, for a while, there’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do, and I’m enjoying this last year,” he continued. “It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
He then joked, “I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint. No pressure.”
Maggie tearfully told her father the impact he’s had on pop culture, saying, “The show means the world to us, it’s been such a gift. You turned what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon, so thank you.”
“Alright, guys, dry your tears,” GMA correspondent Janai Norman joked as she wrapped up the segment.
Sajak’s final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune will air this Friday (June 7), which will also be the season 41 finale episode. Ryan Seacrest will take over hosting duties once Sajak is officially retired, and Vanna White will be staying on as co-host.
