Pat Sajak is taking one last spin on BԪַWheel of Fortune,BԪַ announcing Monday that its upcoming season will be his last as host.
Sajak announced his retirement from the venerable game show .
BԪַWell, the time has come. IBԪַve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. ItBԪַs been a wonderful ride, and IBԪַll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all,BԪַ the tweet said.
Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, which features contestants guessing letters to try to fill out words and phrases to win money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the showBԪַs first host when it debuted in 1975.
Along with Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has been a television mainstay. The show soon shifted to a syndication and aired in the evening in many markets, becoming one of the most successful game shows in history. Sajak will continue to serve as a consultant on the show for three years after his retirement as host.
BԪַAs the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. 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,BԪַ said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television.
In recent years, some of SajakBԪַs banter and chiding of contestants have become fodder for social media. That prompted Sajak to remark in his retirement post about doing another season: BԪַ(If nothing else, itBԪַll keep the clickbait sites busy!)BԪַ
READ ALSO: