Vanna White, the beloved co-host of “Wheel of Fortune,” has revealed she seriously considered retiring when longtime host Pat Sajak stepped down in 2024 after 41 years, but ultimately decided she wasn’t ready to leave the iconic game show she has called home for 43 years.
The 68-year-old television personality told E! News that the decision to continue without Sajak was difficult. White explained that working with someone for that long, she felt like she should maybe go with him.
However, after careful consideration, White chose to remain with the popular game show. “But I thought hard and thought, You know what? I’m just not ready to retire yet. I’m having fun. I feel good. I feel healthy,” she said.
White’s decision to stay came after she signed a two-year contract extension covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The move ensured continuity for the show as it transitioned to a new host following Sajak’s retirement. White added that she remains open to continuing beyond her current contract if she continues to feel healthy and fulfilled in the role. The new contract followed public negotiations that resulted in a significant salary increase for White, her first raise in 18 years.
Ryan Seacrest, 50, took over hosting duties from the 79-year-old Sajak, who had hosted the show for over 40 seasons. Seacrest began his tenure in September 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for “Wheel of Fortune.”
White expressed enthusiasm about working with Seacrest, noting their strong professional chemistry. She told E! News that she and Seacrest get along great. White indicated that their pre-existing friendship of over 20 years helped create a smooth working relationship from the start.
White acknowledged that her future remains flexible. “You never know what’s around the corner,” she said.
However, White made it clear that when she eventually retires, viewers should not expect to see her hosting another television program. She told the outlet she doesn’t anticipate pursuing other TV opportunities after her long tenure on “Wheel of Fortune.” When asked about her post-retirement plans, White revealed a surprising passion: she wants to play golf.
White has been a fixture on “Wheel of Fortune” since 1982, making her one of the longest-serving personalities in television game show history. Her role of turning letters on the puzzle board has made her a household name across multiple generations of viewers. White and Sajak became the longest-serving television hosts of any program in TV history during their four-decade partnership.
Despite decades of working together, White revealed that she and Sajak maintained a remarkably harmonious relationship. She disclosed that the pair only had one notable disagreement during their 42 years working together: whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog. White supports the controversial condiment choice, while Sajak firmly opposes it.
White is a mother to two adult children, Nicholas, 31, and Giovanna, 28, whom she shares with ex-husband George Santo Pietro. She has managed to balance her high-profile television career with family life throughout her decades on the show.
Her approach to her career moving forward reflects a measured perspective. White emphasized that while she remains happy and healthy in her current role, she is taking her commitment to “Wheel of Fortune” one year at a time rather than making long-term commitments.
