Television history reached a bittersweet milestone as Vanna White delivered an emotional, heartfelt farewell to her longtime co-host and close friend Pat Sajak, just one day before his final episode of Wheel of Fortune. In a pre-recorded message aired during Thursday night’s episode, the 67-year-old White was visibly emotional as she reflected on over four decades of working side by side with Sajak on one of America’s most beloved game shows.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together,” White said, holding back tears. “I don’t even know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try.”
From the moment the show began syndication in 1982, Vanna White and Pat Sajak became a defining duo on American television. Their chemistry, humor, and warmth turned Wheel of Fortune into a household staple, with millions of viewers tuning in nightly to watch them spin the wheel, reveal the puzzles, and share laughs along the way. Over the years, they have appeared in more than 8,000 episodes together — a record that few in the industry can rival.
“Eight thousand episodes went by just like that,” White said, snapping her fingers softly. “Through the years, we’ve shared so many incredible moments on this stage. We’ve celebrated victories, watched families grow, and even watched our own families grow.”
She then paused, visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
“But beyond the lights, the letters, and the wheel, Pat, what I’ll cherish most is our friendship. You’ve been like a brother to me. We’ve been through so much together — the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the tears. You’ve been steady, kind, funny, and always, always there. I will miss standing next to you every evening more than words can say.”
Sajak, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has remained a constant presence on Wheel of Fortune for over four decades. Though he has often downplayed his role, attributing the show’s success to the format and the contestants, his wit and charm helped shape the show’s identity. White, who joined shortly after Sajak, became an icon in her own right — turning the simple act of flipping letters into a career that has spanned generations.
Following White’s emotional message, viewers across the country took to social media to express their own sadness and gratitude. Many called the moment “the end of an era,” while others praised the duo for their grace, professionalism, and the comfort they brought to living rooms for so many years.
White concluded her message with a smile through her tears. “Thank you for everything, Pat. I love you, and I always will.”
As Wheel of Fortune moves into a new chapter, with a new host and a changing format, the legacy of Vanna White and Pat Sajak will remain untouched — a symbol of consistency, kindness, and true partnership in a fast-changing world of television.