Pat Sajak undergoes emergency surgery, Vanna White to host 'Wheel of Fortune' in his place

Taryn Ryder
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 01: Pat Sajak and Vanna White attend Harry Friedman being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 01, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Pat Sajak and Vanna White attend Harry Friedman being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 1, 2019 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images)

Pat Sajak, the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, underwent a successful emergency surgery for a blocked intestine. The show made the announcement on its social media channels Friday. Vanna White will host in Sajak's absence.

"Our taping on Thursday was canceled because host Pat Sajak underwent successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine," the statement read. "He is resting comfortably and looking forward to getting back to work. Taping resumed today as scheduled and Vanna White has stepped in as host."

Sajak, 73, was photographed Monday appearing to be in good health as he celebrated producer and friend Harry Friedman, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. White, 63, and Alex Trebek, 79, were also in attendance at the ceremony. The Jeopardy! host has been dealing with health issues of his own as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Sajak and White have been part of the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune since 1983. In their three-plus decades of co-hosting the show, White told Fox News they have only gotten in one fight — over a hot dog.

"Believe it or not, Pat Sajak and I have only had one argument in 36 years and that was over putting ketchup on a hotdog," she said, explaining her go-to condiments are ketchup and mustard, while Sajak strictly uses ketchup. "I agree it is [weird]," she added.

Wheel of Fortune is the longest-running syndicated game show in the U.S. with the show taping it's 7,000th episode last year. In May 2019, Sajak was honored with the Guinness World Records title for having the longest career as a game show host for the same show surpassing The Price Is Right’s Bob Barker. Season 37 of Wheel of Fortune premiered in September.

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