Pat Sajak shared an emotional moment with his daughter Maggie as the two talked about his retirement Wheel of Fortune following its announcement in June 2023.
Pat hosted the popular game show for over forty years and his final episode, which marks the season 41 finale, airs this Friday.
The famous TV personality is now looking forward to the simple life, RadarOnline.com has learned.
'I'm very happy as long as it means I continue with my crosswords and play with the grandchildren. Hint hint hint,” he said, laughing at Maggie. “No pressure.”
Maggie is currently dating White collar actor Ross McCallwho she was seen kissing in March.
“The show means a lot to us. It's been such a gift and you've taken what could have just been Hangman and turned it into a cultural phenomenon, so thank you,” Maggie said as she fought back tears during a segment on Good morning America.
Pat hugged his daughter and said he was excited about what's ahead, revealing he's ready to turn the page. “I've always said to you, you've heard me say this dozens of times: I'd rather leave a few years too early than a few years too late,” he said. “Could I still do it? Yes, I think I could do it for a while, but there are also some other things in life that we would like to do.”
Pat admitted he was feeling “surprisingly good” as his final 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.”
“It was a bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it all in and thinking back on a great run,” Pat added.
Pat said it was especially gratifying to see the fanbase expand over the years, especially when Maggie joined the team as a social media correspondent. “We became part of popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people's lives,” he said.
Ryan Seacrest will take over the government as host, while Vanna White will work on the puzzle board after negotiating a “substantial pay increase” to her $3 million annual salary.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, insiders said she played hardball with show managers to secure the raise.
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“Many people are shocked that Vanna has been overlooked and apparently underpaid for so long,” the source said. “No wonder she's calling in the big guns to negotiate on her behalf.”
