Pat Sajak breaks silence on Ryan Seacrest taking over ‘Wheel of Fortune’ duties

We would like to buy the End of an Era.

Long-time game show host Pat Sajak, 76, offered his congratulations to Ryan Seacrest, 48, who will be replacing the game show host at the conclusion of “Wheel of Fortune’s” 41st season.

“I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall, and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024,” he tweeted Wednesday.

Sajak, who served as the syndicated show’s host since 1981, announced his retirement earlier this month.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” tweeted the host. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”

Sajak later said that he would be taking over the chairman role on the board of trustees at Michigan’s Hillsdale College, where he served as vice-chairmen since 2003.

“For decades, Pat Sajak has been an icon of radio and television. There are few things more intimate than appearing in the living rooms of countless Americans every evening,” Emily Slack Davis, Hillsdale’s executive director of media relations and communication, told The Post. “We know that he will be missed and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.”

On Tuesday it was revealed that "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest will take over from the TV legend.
It was revealed Tuesday that “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will take over for the TV legend. Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
The Post has reached out to Sajak for further comment.

It was revealed Tuesday that “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will take over for the TV legend after Sajak’s four-decade reign.

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement. “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.”

Sajak, who served as the syndicated show's host since 1981, announced his retirement earlier this month stating it has been "a wonderful ride."
Sajak, who served as the syndicated show’s host since 1981, announced his retirement earlier this month, stating that it has been “a wonderful ride.” ABC via Getty Images

Sajak reportedly once made a snarky comment to a contestant after they let out a hair-raising shriek.
Sajak reportedly once made a snarky comment to a contestant after they let out a hair-raising shriek. ABC via Getty Images
“Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” he added. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.

“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” gushed Seacrest.

Since Sajak revealed his decision to leave the show, several fans began speculating about who would take over the role.

Sajak, who served as the syndicated show's host since 1981, announced his retirement earlier this month stating it has been "a wonderful ride."
Sajak watches over contestants giving the big wheel a spin. Courtesy Everett Collection
Though Seacrest was considered by fans to be a top contender for the iconic gig, Sajak’s co-host Vanna White, Pat’s daughter Maggie Sajak, “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith were also championed by diehard “Wheel” fans.

Sajak’s retirement comes after the controversial host had been chastised repeatedly online over his on-set behavior.

Sajak recently made a snarky comment to a contestant after they let out a hair-raising shriek.

And in May, he made headlines for snapping at a player for continually answering puzzles incorrectly, asking the contestant, “Why are you bothering?”