After praising the many people who helped make Wheel of Fortune what it is today, he had a conversation with White, his longtime co-host.

“And now, my professional other half, dear Vanna,” he went on. Like me, she takes the show very seriously even though she is not herself. I can’t even begin to think what these 40 years may have been like if they had introduced someone who was acting like a prima donna and was totally self-absorbed.

Sajak called her “sweet and unassuming” as she appeared on TV, despite the many “changes” in their lives. Despite their ups and downs, he remarked, “We’ve always been there for each other.”

He continued, referring to White’s moving farewell from the previous evening, saying, “I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday’s show.” We just live five miles apart, so even though I will miss working with her a lot, I take solace in the fact that we will still see one other frequently. But I will miss our late-night chats, her sense of humor, and her kind spirit.

“I know you’re all happy that she’ll be back next season,” he continued. She is an extremely unique woman.

Sajak, who began hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981, first announced his retirement in June 2023. “Well, it’s official—this is the right moment,” he posted on X, the former Twitter. I’ve decided not to come back for our next 41st season, which begins in September. I will have more to share about this incredible adventure in the following months. I sincerely appreciate all of you. (At the very least, it will keep the clickbait websites busy!)

A few weeks later, Ryan Seacrest—who had been formally named as White’s successor—joined her in her position.

In a memorial video released on Thursday, June 6, White shared memories of their time spent together on the game show.

“I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try,” she stated to Sajak. That’s how the 8,000 episodes passed by so quickly. When I first started, I was pretty green. Pat, you offered me such assurance and comfort. I genuinely owe my identity to you.

“I know you’ll still be close by as this chapter of our lives is coming to an end,” she stated later in the video. “You’re like a brother to me, and I will always cherish our friendship as a true bond for life.” Pat, you have my unwavering love.

Wheel of Fortune airs during the week in syndication; check your local listings.