Pat Sajak is retiring from Wheel of Fortune? This is news to him!
On Thursday night’s (Oct. 26) episode of the hit game show, the longtime host played dumb when a contestant named Rhachel Royal — who has been writing spoken word poetry since she was 14 — recited a heartfelt poem about his impending retirement.
“Ever since I was a child, this has been my wish. Spinning the wheel, No. 1 on my bucket list,” she began. “To meet the amazing Pat Sajak and the beautiful Vanna White, and to represent for my family under these bright studio lights.”
Rhachel continued, “Thank you, Pat, for all you’ve done over these last 41 years: the smiles, the jokes, the laughs, the cheers. Congrats on your retirement. We’ll miss you when you’re gone. Just do me one favor before you go, and help me bring this money home!”
While the audience and White cheered her on, a look of confusion fell upon Sajak’s face.
“I’m leaving?” the host, who was also celebrating his 77th birthday, jokingly asked. “The things you learn.”
Sajak officially announced his retirement earlier this year after 41 seasons of hosting Wheel. The beloved television personality, who has won three Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show host since he joined in 1981, is set to exit the show after the currently airing season.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote in a statement back in June. “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 news of his retirement, the network quickly hired Ryan Seacrest to replace Sajak and join White in Season 42.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest wrote in a June Instagram post. “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.”
Wheel of Fortune airs on weeknights at 7:30/6:30c. Check out your local listings on the Wheel of Fortune website.