Vanna White extends 'Wheel of Fortune' contract making new host Ryan Seacrest 'very happy'

Vanna White isn't going anywhere – for now.

Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that White will continue to reveal letters on her "Wheel of Fortune" puzzle board through the game show's 2025-26 season.

Reports surfaced in June that White, 66, wanted to negotiate a raise. She's hosted with Pat Sajak since the show debuted in syndication in 1983.

Sajak announced in June that he would leave next summer, after the show's 41st season, which began airing last week. Two weeks later, Sony revealed that Ryan Seacrest would replace Sajak.

White's contract was due to expire with Sajak's departure, so its extension means she will work alongside Seacrest for at least two seasons.

New 'Wheel of Fortune' host Ryan Seacrest worries about matching Pat Sajak's quickness

Seacrest reacted enthusiastically to the "great news" in an interview for "Sunday Today with Willie Geist" airing this weekend.

"Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years," Seacrest, 48, says. "I've been very excited to work with her, but now that it’s official I can say, 'Congratulations, Vanna.' I can't wait."

"It's super important to have Vanna White on 'Wheel of Fortune,'" he adds. “It's great news. I'm very happy to hear it and very happy I get to work with her."

When White spoke with USA TODAY in 2019, she was quite territorial over her spot. "I can't imagine anybody else on my puzzle board," she said with a laugh. "That’s a scary thought. It's mine!"

White will also be missing from some new "Wheel of Fortune" episodes this fall.

The longtime co-host had to miss a day of taping the syndicated show due to being sick, a source familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY in August. Bridgette Donald-Blue, who was named among the 2023 California Teachers of the Year, filled in for White for five episodes.

The taping from which White was absent was for the game show's annual "Teacher's Week," and production was not able to reschedule due to the participating teachers' schedules with the start of the school year. The following day's taping was rescheduled.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vanna White extends 'Wheel of Fortune' contract, Ryan Seacrest reacts