From letter-turner to game show host? That’s the question on the minds of many “Wheel of Fortune” fans who are rallying for Vanna White to take over hosting duties following Pat Sajak’s recent retirement announcement.
Pat Sajak, 76, revealed on Monday that he will be stepping down from his role as host after more than 40 years on the air. This news has sparked a wave of support for Vanna White, 66, who has been a staple on the show since 1982, to finally get a promotion.
“VANNA WHITE FOR WHEEL OF FORTUNE HOST 2024,” an enthusiastic fan tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many others on social media.
Another user wrote, “Pat Sajak to retire as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host finally, but not soon enough. Should be end of 2023 season and take the nepo daughter with him. #vannaWhite deserves the hosting job,” referencing Sajak’s daughter Maggie, who has made occasional appearances on the show in recent years.
Journalist Justin Kirkland also joined the chorus, stating, “With the news of Pat Sajak retiring, I’d like to formally begin the campaign of getting Vanna White to take over Wheel of Fortune.”
The support for White is overwhelming, with fans suggesting various scenarios for her promotion. One fan proposed, “I think Vanna White should take over hosting the wheel while Maggie Sajak takes over the letter board.” Another added, “With Pat Sajak retiring, the ONLY smart thing is to make VANNA WHITE the new host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE! She’s already proven herself as a substitute host, everybody loves her and she can provide smooth, unbroken continuity.”
While fans are fervently backing White, reports have surfaced that media personality Ryan Seacrest might be in the running to replace Sajak. A source told Bloomberg that the 48-year-old has been in discussions with the producers of “Wheel of Fortune” and is considered a frontrunner, though he is just one of many interested candidates.
Sajak has been the face of “Wheel of Fortune” since 1981, and he shared that the 2023-2024 season would be his last. “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote in an emotional farewell. “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!)”
In a 2021 interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” Sajak and White discussed their future on the show. “We’re certainly closer to the end than the beginning,” Sajak admitted. “I’d like to leave before people tune in and look at me and say, ‘Ooh, what happened to him?’” White agreed, adding, “We’ve been together for like 38 years and he’s like my brother. He’s funny. I mean, we could finish each other’s sentences if we wanted to. We know each other that well.”
As Sajak prepares to bid farewell, fans are also considering the possibility of Maggie Sajak stepping into a more prominent role. Maggie, 28, has been involved with the show in various capacities, including serving as the series’ social correspondent since 2021. She even took over White’s letter-turning duties temporarily during a May episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”
In a recent Instagram post, Maggie transformed from an all-black look into a hot pink ensemble in honor of the “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” films, prompting fans to express their desire for her to join the show. “They Should let You be the New Host,” one person commented. Another added, “You should be taking over Vanna White’s job when Vanna White is ready to retire.”
Some fans even suggested a team effort, with one commenter writing, “I think you should take over as letter turner for Vanna and she should take over for your dad as host!!! @maggiesajak. You guys would be an awesome team.”
As the speculation continues, it’s clear that many fans are hoping for White to become the new host. However, White is reportedly negotiating for a significant pay raise if she stays on the show. According to TMZ, White is “holding out” for at least half of what Sajak was making, which insiders say is a reasonable request given her long tenure and significant contribution to the show.
White’s salary is currently $3 million a year, and she hasn’t received a pay increase in the last 18 years. Insiders argue that the pay disparity between her and Sajak should be addressed, considering they are essentially co-hosts at this point.
As the “Wheel of Fortune” prepares for a new chapter, fans are eagerly awaiting the decision on who will take over the iconic hosting role. Whether it’s Vanna White, Ryan Seacrest, or another candidate, the show’s legacy is sure to continue with a new face at the helm.
Source: Bloomberg, TMZ, Entertainment Tonight
