While he will no longer be hosting the game show by White’s side, Sajak assured fans the two would be seeing “plenty of each other”

Pat Sajak is taking his final bow on Wheel of Fortune but not before thanking his right-hand woman, Vanna White.

On Friday, June 7, the famed game show host, 77, concluded his 40-year tenure on Wheel of Fortune with a touching speech where he expressed his gratitude to his loyal viewers, cast and crew, and family members.

After paying his dues to everyone who made Wheel of Fortune what it is today, he addressed his longtime co-host, White.

“Finally, to my professional other half, dear Vanna,” he said. “Like me, she takes the show very seriously but not herself. I shudder to think what these 40 years might have been like had they brought in someone full of themselves, playing the prima donna role.”

Describing her as “sweet and unassuming” as she seems on camera, Sajak reflected on the many “changes” they’ve seen in each other’s lives. Despite the ups and downs, he noted how “we’ve always been there for each other.”

“I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday’s show,” he continued, referencing White’s touching tribute from the previous episode. “While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart, so we’ll see plenty of each other. But I will miss our nightly closes, her laughter, and her good nature.”

“She’s a very special woman, and I know you’re all pleased to know she’ll be back next season,” he added.

Sajak, who began hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981, first announced his retirement in June 2023. He wrote via X (formerly Twitter), “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”

Weeks later, Ryan Seacrest was confirmed as his replacement, with White resuming her duties alongside him.

In a tribute video released on Thursday, June 6, White reflected on the time the two have spent together on the game show.

“I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try,” she said to Sajak. “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.”

“As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by,” she added later in the video. “You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”

Wheel of Fortune airs weekdays in syndication (check local listings).