Vanna White faced a pivotal decision when longtime co‑host Pat Sajak announced his retirement in 2024 after 41 years on air. The 68‑year‑old, who has been a fixture on the show since 1982, told E! News she had to decide whether to stay or move on.
“When Pat decided he was going to retire, I had to make a decision,” White exclusively shared with E! News. “Working with someone for that long, I feel like I should maybe go with him.”
She explained that she had mixed feelings about continuing with a new host after more than four decades. “But I thought hard and thought, ‘You know what? I’m just not ready to retire yet. I’m having fun. I feel good. I feel healthy,'” she continued. “So, at this point, it’s one year at a time.”
White made it clear that she has no set end date for her role on “Wheel of Fortune.” She also admitted uncertainty about future TV opportunities. “I don’t think there’s anything else on TV I would rather do after being on Wheel for so long,” she shared. “Honestly, I think I wanna just play golf when I retire.”
She emphasized her contentment with the show’s present state. “At this point, I’m happy with my job, I’m continuing on Wheel, and we will take one year at a time and go from there,” she added. “You never know what’s around the corner. You just don’t. Something might come to me that I want to be involved in. I just take one day at a time.”
The 68‑year‑old also spoke about her new partnership with Ryan Seacrest, who took over hosting duties from Pat in 2024. “We get along great,” she told E! News. “I think our chemistry is good. He’s such a nice guy and he’s so professional and hardworking and we just gel. This is our second year together and I feel like it’s been forever.” She added, “We do have some background friendship.” Their long‑time friendship, which dates back over 20 years, has helped ease the transition.
White’s friendship with former host Pat Sajak remains strong. She revealed that the two only had one argument during their tenure together: whether ketchup should be put on a hot dog. “I do,” she laughed. “He does not. He said that’s wrong.”
The show continues to air weeknights on ABC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock and Hulu. A special holiday episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” is scheduled for December 18 at 8 p.m.
Pat Sajak, now 78, delighted fans by returning to host an episode of the celebrity version of the game show. He reunited with Vanna White on a new episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” on Monday, December 4.
Vanna White’s personal life also features in the spotlight. She shares two children with her ex‑husband George Santo Pietro: Nicholas, 31, and Giovanna, 28.
Key Takeaways
- Vanna White has decided to stay on “Wheel of Fortune” after Pat Sajak’s retirement, choosing to work with new co‑host Ryan Seacrest.
- She plans to continue on a year‑by‑year basis, with no set retirement date and no interest in other TV roles.
- White maintains strong friendships with both Ryan Seacrest and former host Pat Sajak, and she has a light‑hearted argument about ketchup on hot dogs.
Vanna White’s choice to remain on the beloved game show underscores her dedication to the program and her willingness to embrace change while staying true to her long‑time fans.
