On Monday, Pat Sajak announced on Twitter that he's retiring as host of Wheel of Fortune.
R-S-T-L-Noooo!
Sajak took over the hosting gig in 1981—more than four decades ago—from Chuck Woolery who hosted when Wheel launched in 1975.
In 2019, Sajak became the Guinness World Record holder for having the longest career as a game show host on the same game show. His co-host Vanna White isn't far behind, having joined in 1982.
In his tweet, Sajak shared:
"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!)"
\u201cWell, the time has come. I\u2019ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It\u2019s been a wonderful ride, and I\u2019ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it\u2019ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
Needless to say, the host will be missed by his fans.
\u201c@PatOnWheel Things aren't gonna be the same without you at the helm but it's been an amazing run\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel Will miss you man, you are in my house every night.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
Many on social media shared their memories over the years of Sajak on their TVs, some of them even occurring prior to his days behind the wheel.
\u201c@PatOnWheel Dude, you raised me when I was but a wee latchkey kid \u2665\ufe0f\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@VanWagoner @PatOnWheel I remember him doing weather in Nashville!\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel I remember you doing weather for NBC in LA.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel One of my core childhood memories was watching Wheel of Fortune together with my grandparents. I can still envision having those dinners together and watching you and Vanna on TV.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel I remember your first day on the job.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
And others thanked him for providing years upon years of entertainment and wished him all the best.
\u201c@PatOnWheel Yes, time to enjoy life congratulations\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel Thank pat for being the face of wheel of fortune for over 40 years and sad see you go but it time for retirement. Thank you for the memories. Wheel of fortune always been my favorite game show to watch.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel It\u2019s been a pleasure watching you all these years. Thank you and good luck.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel Always a classic icon in my house of wonderfully dry wit and laughter. Shaped TV in a massive way! Thanks for 42 fantastic years. Congrats, hope retirement is everything and then some for you.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
\u201c@PatOnWheel Thank you for being apart of my life and family.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610854
Wheel of Fortune is America's longest-running game show with more than 7,000 episodes under its belt.
Season 41, Sajak's last, will begin in September and finish in 2024.
Best wishes on a retirement well earned.
@badgalriri/Instagram