‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Set To Retire After More Than 4 Decades Hosting!

All good things must come to an end? It was announced on Monday afternoon that longtime ‘Wheel of Fortune‘ host Pat Sajak is set to retire after the end of the upcoming 41st season.

He’s been hosting the show since 1981, so the news was a surprise to many people who just assumed he’d continue hosting until he physically couldn’t do it anymore.

Sajak announced the retirement news in a brief written statement:

Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)

The “I’ll have more to say in the coming months” line seems a little suspicious. Makes you wonder if this isn’t a straight retirement. Perhaps there’s some beef behind-the-scenes? Maybe he doesn’t like the direction the show is going?

For those wondering, Pat is 76-years-old, so you know, that’s prime retirement age. We can’t blame the dude for wanting a break.

Last year, he told Entertainment Tonight that he thinks about retiring often…

Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long [time]. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near … It’s an honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and proud.

It’s not clear if Vanna White plans to leave with him, or if she’ll be sticking around when a new host comes in. It’ll be interesting to see who replaces Sajak.

Let’s just hope the producers don’t fumble the ball like the producers of Jeopardy!