Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for June 12
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Pat Sajak announced he's leaving "Wheel of Fortune" after 40 years.
Sajak, 76, tweeted that while "it's been a wonderful ride," his 41st season would be his last with the show.
"Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he wrote.
It's currently unclear who will take over his spot, but Internet chatter has suggested his daughter, country singer Maggie Sajak, could fill his shoes.
Pat Sajak is leaving "Wheel of Fortune" following the 2023-24 season. (Getty Images)
He added, "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!)"
Sajak has hosted the famous game show since 1981. The program first premiered in 1975 with Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford.
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In September 2022, Sajak surpassed "Price is Right" host Bob Barker and became the longest-running host of any game show.
"As the host of 'Wheel of Fortune,' Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," Suzanne Prete, Executive Vice President, Game Shows, Sony Pictures Television, shared in a statement with Fox News Digital.
Vanna White has stood by Pat Sajak's side on "Wheel of Fortune" since 1982. (Ron Galella)
"We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season.Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ family!"
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Sajak admitted he was "very lucky in that I always knew that I wanted to be in broadcasting."
"My early heroes were people like Arthur Godfrey, Dave Garroway, Steve Allen and, especially, Jack Paar," he shared on the show's website. "They helped shape what a television personality was, paving the way for so many others."
Vanna and Pat celebrated the "Wheel of Fortune" 25th anniversary in 2007. (Astrid Stawiarz)
Pat Sajak has hosted "Wheel of Fortune" since 1981. (Christopher Willard)
Pat and Vanna have worked together for decades. (Christopher Willard)
Vanna White became his regular co-host in December 1982 after Susan Stafford left the show months before.
His daughter Maggie recently stepped in for White during a series switch-up with "Jeopardy!"
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Maggie, 29, flipped letters along the sparkling game board in early May as she finished law school.
Maggie Sajak has appeared alongside her father, Pat Sajak, in the past. (Getty Images)
Pat Sajak's daughter Maggie Sajak recently stepped in for Vanna White on "Wheel of Fortune." (Christopher Willard)
Her history with the show also goes behind scenes where she worked as a social media correspondent since 2021 while attending school.
"The Wheel of Fortune staff and crew have always been like an extended family and I’m thrilled to be working with them," Maggie said in a statement.
"It’s a real privilege to be able to treat the show’s longtime viewers to a look at what goes on when the cameras aren’t rolling. Plus, I get to use the carpool lane with my father!"
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Fox News Digital's Janelle Ash contributed to this report.
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