Vanna White Wants To Stick Around For More ‘Wheel of Fortune’ As Pat Sajak Makes His Exit, Report Says

Jun 26, 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 Oct. 26, 1946, Sajak began hosting duties on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1983. From 1983 to 1989, he hosted the game show’s daytime and syndicated evening versions. Sajak’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, Sajak enjoyed many beautiful memories and experiences. He also had his fair share of criticism and setbacks. Despite everything he has experienced, he remains a much-loved figure among fans. The love for Sajak was on display on June 13, 2023, when he announced his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune” after 40 years. 

However, Sajak hasn’t been alone on his “Wheel of Fortune” journey. Consistently by his side turning the letters since 1982 has been hostess Vanna White. For many, one cannot even think of the show without thinking of the pair together as a team. With Sajak’s impending retirement, many have been left wondering whether White will remain on the show without him. Read on to find out what the game show star plans to do once Sajak steps down. 

On June 13, 2023, Sajak 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 about Sajak’s retirement on Instagram, and many fans commented about the development. One fan wrote: “Wheel’ miss you, Pat!”

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

Deadline reported that Sajak will remain as a consultant for the show for three years until his final episode in June 2024. There are a lot of names tossed in the mix already, and there are quite some promising ones being speculated. 

One article from Good Housekeeping speculated that White, Sajak’s co-host, could fill in the role very well, as she has done multiple times in the past already. Sources told Radar Online that White herself is gunning for the role, having “done her bit” learning from Sajak for decades. 

“Vanna believes it’s her time and thinks she is the natural choice,” an insider told the outlet.

Back in December 2022, White had told People it was depressing thinking about their time as one of television’s most iconic “brother and sister team” coming to an end.

“I don’t even want to think about that. I mean, we’re a team. That’s depressing. I don’t even want to think about it,” she said.

Sajak’s impending departure might not spell the end for White on the show. According to a Puck report, White not only intends to stay on the show after Sajak steps down but is currently negotiating a raise when her contract expires after the 2023-24 season of “Wheel of Fortune.” White reportedly makes up to $3 million per year for her work on the game show. However, Sajak reportedly makes about five times as much as that.

The Puck reported that White has yet to reach a deal with the show’s producers, although notably, the hostess has not received a pay raise since she began working on the show 18 years ago.  

As fans await confirmation on White’s future with the show, if her words are anything to go by, she will likely not leave without a fight. In the same 2022 People interview, White had expressed her fondness for the show and said:

“It’s incredible. I cannot believe it’s been 40 years. Honestly, I’ve loved every minute of it. Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me! I really do. It’s a fun show. Everybody watches and enjoys it and it changes people’s lives and it makes people happy. So it’s a great job.” 

She added she also couldn’t envision a version of the show without her and Sajak in it, particularly due to the fact that fans have been watching the two of them at home in their living rooms for so long.

“I can’t imagine. Everybody relates ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters,” she said.

Do you think Vanna White would make a good replacement for Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune?” Let us know, then pass this along to all the fans of the game show you know!