Pat Sajak shares 6-word message to fans in ‘Wheel of Fortune’ farewell

Sajak and co-host Vanna White both started on the game show in 1982, seven years after it began with Chuck Woolery as host

In a simple message barely longer than most of his “Wheel of Fortune” puzzles, Pat Sajak bid farewell to fans on social media ahead of his last show on Friday.

“Thank you all so very much,” Sajak, who has hosted “Wheel” since 1982, wrote on his X page.

The 77-year-old’s stint on 8,010 episodes has earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for longest host on the same show and a place in the living rooms and hearts of many Americans in his four-decade run.

“Wheel of Fortune” started in 1975, with Chuck Woolery and Sajak stepped in as host seven years later, making him the only host that anyone under 40 would remember.

Vanna White came in the same year and will remain as co-host after Ryan Seacrest starts his run on the hangman-style guessing show.

The social post was Sajak’s first on X since October, and he received a flood of love in the comments.

“I can’t even put into words how much I’m gonna miss you Pat,” one person commented. “You started the show I was 12 and I’m now 53. Congrats on an amazing career. Wowza.”

Another wrote, “Years and years of fantastic, wholesome entertainment! Best wishes for what is next.”

Sajak also gave an emotional farewell speech in his last episode, which was taped in April and airs Friday evening.

“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said in his speech. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”

“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”