Pat Sajak will perform his final Wheel of Fortune hosting duties on June 7, marking the end of an era.
The game show host will round out his 41st season on Friday. He opened up about his epic run, which began in 1981 when he took over for Chuck Woolery, as well as what lies ahead in his rapidly approaching retirement.
In an exclusive clip shared with Good Morning America, Sajak spoke with his daughter Maggie Sajak, Wheel of Fortune's social correspondent since 2021, revealing he is "surprisingly okay" bidding adieu to his hosting duties and is "enjoying" his final week.
Sajak, who announced last June that the show's 41st season would be his last, said:
"This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago."
"So I've had time to sort of get used to it.”
While the host acknowledged some sadness in leaving his gig of more than four decades, he also said he is grateful that he was able to be a "part of people's lives" for so long.
“And it's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run."
"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.”
The host also wanted to leave when he felt the time was right, noting he'd rather exit “a couple years too early than a couple of years too late."
"It's been a great 40 years, and I'm looking forward to whatever's ahead."
And what is ahead for the almost-retiree?
"I'm perfectly happy if it just means that I'll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren."
He then quipped:
"Hint hint hint. No pressure."
You can watch below.
1st look: Pat Sajak on retiring from ‘Wheel of Fortune’ after 41 seasonsyoutu.be
Viewers of the segment agreed Wheel won't be the same without Sajak.
They wished him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Sajak, who has been hosting alongside Vanna White since her start in 1982, will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest.
Seacrest told PEOPLE in April:
"Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible."
"He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him."
"So do I feel pressure? Sure."
"People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well."
You can catch Sajak's final episode on Friday, June 7, on ABC.
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