Pat Sajak Announces He’s Retiring From ‘Wheel of Fortune’ After 41 Seasons

We knew this day would come sooner or later, but it’s finally here: Pat Sajak, the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, has announced that he is retiring from the show.

Sajak, who has been with the game show for 41 seasons, posted a written statement on Monday afternoon which read, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”

He continued, “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!)”

Sajak will not be living it up on an all-expenses-paid vacation though, instead, he will continue working as a consultant on the series over the course of the next three seasons.

Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, stated,” As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” per Variety.

“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season,” Prete said. “Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!”

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Sajak began hosting the show in 1981 and he has won three Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show host during his time there. He also holds the title as the longest-running game show host.

It’s truly the end of an _r_. (We’re too cheap to buy vowels.) Farewell, Pat.