‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Explains the Reason Behind His Decision to Retire from the Game Show

Pat Sajak knows when it’s time to say goodbye.

Sajak, 77, has hosted “Wheel of Fortune” for more than 40 years, and although he initially announced his retirement from performing last summer, he is currently in his final week of performing. Speaking to his daughter, Maggie Sajak, he explained why he decided the time was right to move on.

In the conversation that aired on “Good Morning America,” Maggie asked him the big question and he responded, “I’ve always told you that, you’ve heard me say that dozens of times, I’d rather leave for a few years too soon rather than a few years too late.

MAGGIE, THE DAUGHTER OF ‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ HOST PAT SAJAK, TAKES VIEWERS BACKSTAGE BEFORE HER LATEST SHOW

He continued: “Would I still be able to do it? Yeah, I think I could do it for a while. There are also other things in life that we would like to do, and I enjoy that l “It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to everything that lies ahead.”

After noting that he was open to working on new projects, Pat told Maggie: “I’m perfectly happy if it just means I’m going to continue my crosswords and play with my grandkids – hint, hint, hint , no pressure. “.

Sajak has two children, Maggie and a son named Patrick. Maggie recently graduated from law school and also works as a social media correspondent for “Wheel of Fortune,” while Patrick is a doctor. Neither have children.

When Maggie asked him how he felt heading into his final week on the show, he replied, “Surprisingly, OK.”

“You know, it was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” he pointed out, “so I had time to get used to it, and it was a little nostalgic and all that, but I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying it and I’m looking forward to a great race.”

He added: “I know that at some point we became more than a popular show, we became part of popular culture and, more importantly, we became part of people’s lives. And it’s been terribly rewarding.”

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“This show means everything to us,” Maggie told him, moved. “This has been such a gift. You made what could have been The Hanged Man into a cultural phenomenon. So thank you for an incredible 40 years.”

He interrupted the interview to give her a hug.

After more than four decades as a host, Sajak’s final episode will air on Friday, June 7. The farewell episode was recorded in April.

In June 2023, it announced that he was leaving the show.

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“Well, the time has come,” he wrote in a statement. “I have decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It has been a wonderful adventure and I will have more to say in the months to come. Many thanks to all of you. (If nothing else) otherwise, it will occupy the clickbait sites!).”

A few weeks later, Ryan Seacrest was officially named as his replacement, but judging by several comments on social media, fans believe the job should have gone to Maggie.

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In September 2022, Sajak surpassed former “The Price Is Right” host Bob Barker as the longest-tenured host on all game shows, having led the show for 40 years.

Christina Dugan Ramirez of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.