Pat Sajak shared an emotional moment with his daughter Maggie as they discussed his retirement from Wheel of Fortune. This followed his announcement in June 2023. Pat has hosted the game show for over four decades, with his final episode airing this Friday.
The famed TV personality now looks forward to a simpler life, RadarOnline.com has learned. "I'm perfectly happy if it just means that I'll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint," he said, making Maggie laugh. "No pressure."
Maggie is currently dating White Collar actor Ross McCall, who she was seen kissing in March. Pat hosted the popular game show for more than four decades. His final episode, marking the Season 41 finale, is set to air this Friday.
"The show means the world to us. It's been such a gift and you have made what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon, so thank you," Maggie said. She fought back tears during a segment on Good Morning America. Pat embraced his daughter and said he was excited for what lies ahead.
He revealed he is prepared to turn the page. "I've always said to you, you've heard me say this dozens of times: I'd rather leave a couple years too early than a couple of years too late," he shared. "Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while, but there's also some other things in life that we'd like to do."
Pat admitted he was feeling "surprisingly OK" now that his last episode filmed in April is just days away from airing on ABC. "This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago, so I've had time to get used to it." He added, "It's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on a great run."
Pat said it was especially gratifying to see how the fanbase expanded over the years, especially when Maggie joined the team as a social media correspondent. "We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people's lives," he shared.
Ryan Seacrest will take the reins as host, while Vanna White will work the puzzle board after negotiating a "substantial pay increase" from her $3 million annual salary. As RadarOnline.com previously reported, insiders said she was playing hardball with show execs to secure the raise.
"A lot of people are shocked Vanna has been overlooked and apparently underpaid for so long," said a source. "No wonder she's calling in the big guns to negotiate on her behalf."
