Pat Sajak announces ‘Wheel of Fortune’ retirement, says upcoming season will be his last as host

Pat Sajak said on Monday that the upcoming season of “Wheel of Fortune” will be his final season hosting the show.

Sajak tweeted his announcement to leave the storied game show.

“Well, this is the moment. I’ve made the decision that I won’t be returning for our 41st season, which starts in September. In the upcoming months, I’ll have more to say about this amazing journey. Many thanks to everyone who replied to the tweet.

Since 1981, Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, which featured competitors guessing letters to try to fill out words and phrases to win money and prizes. Chuck Woolery, the program’s original host when it started in 1975, gave way to him in terms of hosting duties.

Sajak has been a television regular alongside Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982. Before long, the program switched to syndication and began airing in the evenings in several areas, turning into one of the most popular game programs ever. After stepping down as host, Sajak will remain a consultant for the program for a further three years.