Nearly a year has passed since Pat Sajak bid farewell to Wheel of Fortune, stepping away from the iconic game show after an astounding 43 years as host.
As fans continue adjusting to the show’s new era, co-host Vanna White is shedding light on her relationship with Sajak since his departure—and her words bring comfort to longtime viewers who cherished their onscreen camaraderie.
Sajak, now 78, officially retired in June of last year, leaving behind a legacy that began in 1981.
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One year after he began his tenure, White joined him on set, and together they captivated American audiences for more than four decades.
Their chemistry, warmth, and humor became a staple of evening television, making them one of the most beloved duos in entertainment history.
With such a longstanding partnership, many fans wondered whether their bond would endure the transition, especially now that White is co-hosting alongside Ryan Seacrest.
Last week, during an appearance at the “Hulu Gets Real” event in Beverly Hills, White, 68, put any doubts to rest.
‘Wheel of Fortune’s’ Pat Sajak and Vanna White (1982) pic.twitter.com/Jp0WNepe6G
— RetroNewsNow (@RetroNewsNow) June 7, 2024
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“We’re Friends. We Have Dinner.”
White didn’t hesitate to express how emotional Sajak’s retirement was for her, admitting, “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!”
However, despite no longer sharing the stage with Sajak, White emphasized that their friendship has remained strong.
“I still see him!” she beamed. “We’re friends. We have dinner! Yeah, he’s still in my life.”
She described their interactions with endearing familiarity, saying, “It’s like slipping into something very comfortable. I mean that in the best possible way. It’s just comfortable.”
These touching revelations confirm that their connection extends far beyond the game show stage.
For White and Sajak, their years of collaboration forged a deep personal bond—one that retirement hasn’t disrupted.
A New Chapter with Ryan Seacrest
While the transition marked the end of an era, it also ushered in a new one.
Since September, White has co-hosted Wheel of Fortune with Ryan Seacrest, who stepped in to fill Sajak’s shoes.
Though a tough act to follow, Seacrest has won White’s approval through his respectful and diligent approach.
“Ryan did his homework,” White said.
“He rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed. He also said to me, ‘I am not replacing Pat Sajak because no one could – ever. I am just stepping in.’ That made me feel good because, as Ryan said, he’s just stepping in – he’s not trying to prove anything.”
Speaking to The New York Post at the same event, White praised Seacrest’s efforts and shared how their rapport has grown, especially during a recent trip to Hawaii to film a special episode.
“We had so much fun and he’s such a character,” White said.
“I mean, him falling into the water and doing all those fun things. We had a great time.”
Introducing, for the very first time, our hosts: Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White! Let’s play some Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/0nVtP6uIkO
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) September 10, 2024
An Emotional Farewell That Still Resonates
Sajak’s final episode aired on June 7, 2024, marking a significant moment not only for the show but for White personally.
A day before his last appearance, she delivered a heartfelt tribute, choking back tears as she reflected on their journey together.
“I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me but I’m going to try,” White began.
“8000 episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable and so confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did.”
She concluded with a touching message that encapsulated their enduring bond: “As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by. You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”
Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak as his run on the “Wheel of Fortune” comes to a close today. (via AP) pic.twitter.com/OsleYUhLC9
— 1080 KRLD (@KRLD) June 7, 2024
No Replacing an Iconic Duo
Though Wheel of Fortune continues to thrive with Seacrest and White at the helm, fans know that the original pairing of Pat and Vanna will always hold a special place in television history.
Their bond—built over decades of laughter, support, and shared success—is rare and genuine.
It’s reassuring to know that even as the wheel turns into a new chapter, the friendship at the heart of the show remains intact.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak may no longer share a stage, but their connection continues—unchanged, unshaken, and as comfortable as ever.
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