Pat Sajak shares his reason for stepping down from 'Wheel of Fortune' after 40 years

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak - who recently shared his behind-the-scenes looks from the game show - reveals the real reason behind his decision to quit the popular game show. 

The 77-year-old game show host, who is currently busy in his last week of the show, announced his retirement previously from the show after hosting for 40 years.

Pat Sajak reveals his reason for retirement

Speaking with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, on an episode of ‘Good Morning America’, the veteran television personality reflected on his reasons for choosing retirement at the age of 77, after announcing it last summer. 

During the conversation, Maggie asked her father about his decision when Pat replied, "I've always said this to you, you've heard me say this dozens of times, I'd rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late."

He also shared that while he probably could have continued with his role, he knows the right time to stop, per Fox News.

"Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while. There's also some other things in life that we'd like to do, and I'm enjoying this last year,” said Pat. 

He, however, also added that he is looking forward to exploring his life beyond, as the veteran host said, “It's been a great 40 years, and I'm looking forward to whatever's ahead."

He also shared his vision for his post-retirement life after ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ However, he shared that he would take “no pressure” for his work. 

The game show host shared, "I'm perfectly happy if it just means that I'll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren – hint, hint, hint, no pressure."

The longest-running host of any game show also said he felt "surprisingly OK” when going for the last week of his work as the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host. 

He explained, "You know, this was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago," before noting, "so I've had time to sort of get used to it, and it's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it in and reflecting on a great run."

"I do know that somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show, we became part of the popular culture, and more importantly, we became part of people's lives. And that's been awfully gratifying,” added Sajak. 

Even Maggie became emotional about her father’s retirement, saying, "This show means the world to us.”

"It's been such a gift. You've made what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon. So thank you for these amazing 40-plus years,” said Maggie. 

Pat Sajak announced retirement in June 2023

In June last year, Sajak announced his retirement by writing in a statement, "Well, the time has come," before adding, "I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)"

Following his announcement, Ryan Seacrest is expected to take up the role of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host.