From one legend to another.
Ryan Seacrest shared an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak on Instagram after Sajak’s final episode hosting “Wheel of Fortune” aired Friday.
Seacrest, 49, is taking over for Sajak, 77, in September.
His Instagram post featured a photo and a soundless video clip of the pair and letter-turner Vanna White spending time together on the game show’s set.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with ‘Wheel of Fortune!’ ” Seacrest wrote. “Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”
He continued: “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era.”
“Best wishes for all your future endeavors!” Seacrest concluded his message.
Sajak announced his retirement after 41 seasons last June.
He recorded a goodbye video to fans hours before his final episode was broadcast on television.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak said. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives,” the award-winning host added.
Sajak’s final episode featured footage from his 1981 debut on the game show. After talking about what “Wheel of Fortune” has meant to him, he thanked the staff for making his “job so much easier,” and paid tribute to his wife, Lesly Brown, and their children, Maggie and Patrick.
He also gave a sweet shoutout to his “professional other half.”
“We’ve seen a lot of changes in our lives over the years but we’ve always been there for each other,” he said to White, 67. “While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace that we live about five miles apart. So we’ll see plenty of each other.”
Sajak kicked off hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 and taped more than 8,000 episodes alongside White.
Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s replacement last year.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement at the time. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
Seacrest has been hosting “American Idol” since it began in 2002 and has added numerous hosting gigs to his resume over the years, including a stint on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” hosting “E! News,” and taking over “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
Season 42 of “Wheel of Fortune” will premiere in September 2024.
