“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced he will replace veteran “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak.
On Tuesday, Seacrest, 48, took to his Twitter page to share the news, writing, “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
“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,” he continued.
Seacrest also honored Sajak for the way he “always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease.”
“I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,” he added.
Seacrest concluded, “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 27, 2023
Following his announcement, users on Twitter welcomed him with open arms.
“WOW – like you already don’t have enough to do?” one user wrote. “Congratulations! Those are big shoes to fill but I have no doubt you will fill them well and do a great job.”
https://twitter.com/KathyG0316/status/1673858204453728259?s=20
A former contestant on the game show congratulated Seacrest but expressed their sadness over Sajak’s departure. However, they acknowledged, “The show must go on.”
As a former contestant, it's going to be sad to see this show without @patsajak and his jokes, but the show must go on. Congrats!
— Neil Schwary (@NeilSchwary) June 27, 2023
“You fit like a glove,” another user wrote.
One user wrote, “Ryan Seacrest is the master of staying relevant in the 65+ age demographic. This is a perfect fit.”
Ryan Seacrest is the master of staying relevant in the 65+ age demographic.
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) June 27, 2023
This is a perfect fit.
On June 12, Sajak announced his retirement on his Twitter page after more than 40 years of hosting the show.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
Sajak concluded, “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!).”