Pat Sajak's 'Wheel of Fortune' final appearance date set

(NewsNation) — After 41 seasons spanning 43 years, Pat Sajak’s time as host of “Wheel of Fortune” will come to an end in less than three weeks.

Sajak has already recorded his last episodes, and his last show will air in June.

Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ legacy

The beloved “Wheel of Fortune” host announced last year his plans to retire as host of the show.

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“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak said at the time. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”

Sajak, who has had a four-decade run on the show, took over hosting duties in 1981 when the show aired on network daytime television. He was joined a year later by Vanna White. In 1983, the nighttime version of the show was launched and became one of the top-rated syndicated TV programs.

Who’s taking over for Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

White will continue to co-host one of the most popular game shows in television history, and Ryan Seacrest will take over for Sajak. Seacrest will also remain the host of “American Idol.”

White, the show’s puzzle board handler, is in until the 2025-2026 season, with a reported contract extension through that time.

When White is out, Sajak’s 28-year-old daughter Maggie will reportedly fill in on occasion.

“I think she’s a good replacement if I can’t be there for some reason,” White told E! News last year. “She’s been around it her whole life, so I think she can fill in for me for sure.”

CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE – “Kel Mitchell, Kim Fields and Penn Jillette” – Celebrity contestants go head-to-head for charity with Kel Mitchell (Boys & Girls Club of America), Kim Fields (Back On My Feet) and Penn Jillette (The University of Rochester). Pat Sajak and Vanna White host. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images) VANNA WHITE, PAT SAJAK
CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE – Sasheer Zamata, Jack Black and Kal Penn This special holiday episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, takes a star-studded spin on Americas Game® by welcoming celebrities to spin the worlds most famous Wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win more than $1 million. All the money won by the celebrity contestants will go to a charity of their choice, TUESDAY, DEC. 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images) PAT SAJAK, JACK BLACK
CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE – Melissa Joan Hart, Tituss Burgess and Lacey Chabert Hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune takes a star-studded spin on Americas Game®. Season two continues with an all-new episode SUNDAY, OCT. 17 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images) CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE
AMERICAN IDOL – “718 (Grand Finale)” – Who will become the next American Idol? The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America’s vote. Jon Bon Jovi serves as guest mentor and performer, plus special performances from other music legends and today’s top stars. SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) RYAN SEACREST
CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE – “Vanna White, Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik” – Celebrity contestants go head-to-head for charity in the Ultimate Host Night with Vanna White (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Ken Jennings (Equal Justice Initiative) and Mayim Bialik (Mental Wealth Alliance). Pat Sajak hosts. WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m.), on ABC. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images) MAGGIE SAJAK, PAT SAJAK
CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE – “Brendan Hunt, Melissa Villaseñor and Joe Buck” – Celebrity contestants go head-to-head for charity with Brendan Hunt (Steps of Faith Foundation), Melissa Villaseñor (TreePeople) and Joe Buck (St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation). Pat Sajak and Vanna White host. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.), on ABC. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images) PAT SAJAK, MELISSA VILLASEÑOR, BRENDAN HUNT, JOE BUCK