Ryan Seacrest pays tribute to 'iconic' Pat Sajak after farewell episode of Wheel of Fortune as he prepares to take over game show
Ryan Seacrest is honoring Pat Sajak following his final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune.
The American Idol presenter, 49, took to his Instagram on Saturday to share a heartfelt tribute to the longtime game show host, 77, who bid farewell after 43 years helming the game show.
'Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!' Ryan wrote alongside a photograph of himself, Sajak, and Vanna White on the set of the show.
'Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,' he continued.
'Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!'
Ryan Seacrest is honoring Pat Sajak following his final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune; (pictured May)
The American Idol presenter, 49, took to his Instagram on Saturday to share a heartfelt tribute to the longtime game show host, 77, who bid farewell after 43 years helming the game show
Ryan is set to take over as host when filming for the new season of Wheel of Fortune begins, stepping into the role previously held by Pat since 1981.
On Friday, Pat thanked fans at the end of his last episode for tuning in 'night after night, year after year, decade after decade.'
He also took a moment to honor Vanna, his cherished cohost and friend.
'Like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself,' he said. 'I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role.'
He continued, 'Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems. We've seen a lot of changes in each other's lives over the years, but we've always been there for each other.'
Announcing his Wheel of Fortune gig in June 2023, Ryan wrote: 'I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.
'I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.'
He went on to write a personal message to the longtime frontman of the show.
He said: 'Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.'
Ryan is also a veteran to television hosting, enjoying a career spanning 30 years. And he clearly wanted to remind fans that this was not his first game show hosting gig.
He continued: 'Many people probably don't know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called "Click" for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I'm grateful to Sony for the opportunity.
Ryan is set to take over as host when filming for the new season of Wheel of Fortune begins, stepping into the role previously held by Pat since 1981; (pictured in 2023)
On Friday, Pat thanked fans at the end of his last episode for tuning in 'night after night, year after year, decade after decade'
He also took a moment to honor Vanna, his cherished cohost and friend
In a tear-jerking touch, the episode began with a flashback clip to Pat's entrance on his first-ever episode of Wheel Of Fortune in 1981
'I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.'
Seacrest is one of the biggest media personalities in the US - he left his co-hosting gig on Live With Kelly And Ryan in 2023.
He has also hosted several other shows across television and radio including American Idol and On Air With Ryan Seacrest.
In 2006, he became co-host and executive producer of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
