‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Will Get Teary After Hearing What Vanna White Said About Leaving

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For more than four decades, viewers have welcomed Pat Sajak and Vanna White into their homes for a rousing game of Wheel of Fortune. But with their long tenure on TV also comes concerns of whether the dynamic duo will eventually step away from the game show that put them on the map. As much as fans don't want to think about it, it sounds like Vanna is also having a hard time with the idea.

In December 2022, the TV personality spoke with People about her legacy on Wheel of Fortune and what it's been like to co-host for so many years. When asked about Pat claiming their time on the air is coming to an end, she found herself with a different perspective on the subject. Instead of reflecting on her experience, she responded candidly about still coming to terms with their eventual departure.

"I don't even want to think about that," she told the outlet. "I mean, we're a team ... That's depressing. I don't even want to think about it."

But that wasn't the only thing Vanna had to say about the topic. She explained why it would also stir up emotions amongst fans when that time comes. As she told the publication, she can't fathom not working the famed puzzle board alongside Pat, since people associate the two as being the faces of the game show.

"I just visualize us just being there. I can't think beyond that," she said to the magazine. "I can't imagine. Everybody relates Wheel of Fortune to Pat and Vanna. We're like Ken and Barbie, you know? We've been in everybody's homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters."

As viewers may know, Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin chose Pat and Vanna to host more than five years after the show's January 1975 debut. Pat first appeared on the air in December 1981, with Vanna following up a year later in December 1982. Even after 40 years of being in the same job, she clearly doesn't plan on stepping back from what folks most remember her by.

"Honestly, I've loved every minute of it," she told People. "Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me! I really do. It's a fun show. Everybody watches and enjoys it and it changes people's lives and it makes people happy. So it's a great job."

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