Pat Sajak Quits ‘Wheel of Fortune’ after over 40 Years – Daughter Who Became His ‘Nurse Ratched’ Supports Him

Jun 15, 2023

"Wheel of Fortune" is one of America's most popular television game shows. Created by Merv Griffin, the game show has aired continuously since 1975. During the game show, contestants can win cash prizes by solving word puzzles similar to those in Hangman. Since its inception, "Wheel of Fortune" has undergone several changes in scheduling. In addition, thousands of contestants have competed on the show, which has also seen several hosts. However, one person has remained attached to the show since 1983. 

That person is none other than Pat Sajak. Born October 26, 1946, Pat began hosting duties on "Wheel of Fortune" in 1983. From 1983 to 1989, he hosted the game show's daytime and syndicated evening versions. Pat's longevity as a game show host was heralded when he became the longest-running game show host in the 36th season of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2018-2019.

As the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune," Pat has enjoyed many beautiful memories and experiences. He has also had his fair share of criticism and setbacks in the period. Despite everything he has experienced, he remains a much-loved man among fans. The love for Pat was on display on June 13, 2023, when he announced his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune" after 40 years. 

Following the announcement, many fans took to social media to react to Pat's retirement and express their love for him. One of those who did was his beloved daughter, Maggie Marie Sajak, who supported his decision with a sweet post on social media. Keep reading for more details about Pat's retirement, his daughter's support, and their relationship. 

On June 13, 2023, Pat took to Twitter to announce his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune." His tweet read: 

"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!)."

"Wheel of Fortune" also posted Pat's retirement announcement on its Instagram page, and many fans commented, expressing their thoughts about the development. One fan wrote: 

"Wheel' miss you, Pat!"

Another fan said they were sad to see Pat leave and described him as an institution in their home. A third fan concluded that Pat was "One of the best TV hosts ever!"

While Pat is just announcing his retirement, he teased it in September 2022 during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. While reflecting on his four decades tenure on the game show, Pat said: 

"Years go by fast. We're getting near the end. It's been a long [time]. We're not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near."

He also said that it was an honor to have been in people's living rooms for such a long time, adding that the way people received him and other faces of the show made them proud. 

After his retirement, Pat will have more time to spend with his beloved wife, Lesly Brown, with whom he has been married since 1989. The couple shares two children, a son named Michael James Sajak and a daughter, Maggie Marie Sajak. 

Although her husband has always been on television, Brown, a former model, prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She and Pat are also private about their relationship and family life.

Although Brown prefers to stay private, her two kids, Maggie and Michael, have appeared on "Wheel of Fortune" alongside their dad. Interestingly, Maggie is a social correspondent on the TV game show and once hosted it for a week for episodes airing in 2020. Then, Maggie took over the show to cover for Vanna White, who was also filling in for Pat, who was undergoing surgery at the time. 

Besides filling in for her dad while he was ill, Maggie also took care of him. After observing that her dad was in so much pain, Maggie knew she had to act quickly and give him immediate attention. Hence, she rushed him to the hospital, where it was discovered that Pat had a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Afterward, he went into emergency surgery. Pat joked about his daughter's care for him during an interview, saying: 

"Once I got home, she became Nurse Ratched."

In her knack for caring for her dad, Maggie joined many others in reacting to her father's decision to retire from "Wheel of Fortune." Although many felt sad about Pat's departure from the show, she supported him. Taking to her Instagram Story, Maggie reposted her dad's retirement announcement and added a comment underneath that read Per Today: 

"It's so much fun working with my dad...and we're looking forward to even more fun in Season 41💙."

Although Pat is retiring from "Wheel of Fortune," he is not saying goodbye to it entirely. Sony Pictures Television's game shows executive vice president Suzanne Prete while reacting to Pat's retirement news, said in a statement that he has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years after his retirement. That will come as good news to many of the show's fans who are planning for life without Pat as host. 

Do you watch "Wheel of Fortune?" Do you enjoy Pat Sajak's hosting prowess? What is your favorite Pat Sajak moment on "Wheel of Fortune?" What is your reaction to his retirement news? And what do you think of his relationship with his daughter, Maggie? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow "Wheel of Fortune" fans!