PAT Sajak has announced his retirement plans as his 40-year career on Wheel of Fortune comes to an end this week.

His daughter, Maggie, 29, who is the game show’s social media correspondent, teared up at the plans that will make him “perfectly happy.”

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Maggie Sajak tears up as her father, Pat, reveals his retirement plans ahead of his last week on Wheel of FortuneCredit: Getty

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The father-daughter duo sat down for an interview with Good Morning America on MondayCredit: ABC/ Good Morning America

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Pat’s final episode of Wheel of Fortune airs this Friday, June 7, at 7:30 on ABCCredit: ABC/ Good Morning America
The father-daughter duo sat down for an exclusive interview with Good Morning America.

Pat, 77, talked about how he felt about his long-time gig coming to an end and what he plans to do with all of his free time.

While is is open to new projects, Pat is “looking forward to the simple life.”

“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint,” he said.

Maggie laughed at Pat iterated, “No pressure.”

He is the father to Maggie and his son, Patrick, who both do not have children yet.

Pat shares both of his children with his wife, Lesly Brown.

At the end of the interview, Maggie teared up when she said her dad made the show a gift.

“You made what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon, so thank you,” she said, tearing up.

“You’ve had an amazing 40 plus years.”

Maggie Sajak takes fans ‘behind the puzzleboard’ after they ‘wondered for years’ what’s hidden & reveals Pat’s ‘secret’
Pat hugged his daughter as she wiped away tears.

His final episode of Wheel of Fortune will air on June 7 at 7:30 on ABC.

‘SURPRISINGLY OK’

Maggie also asked Pat how he is feeling now that his final week of Wheel of here.

“Surprisingly ok,” he responded.

Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline

Although Pat and Vanna have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts

Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981

He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)

Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since

After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982

Pat hosted with Susan for one season

He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS

For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place

In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS

He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991

The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future

In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest as quickly named as his replacement

“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago, so I’ve had time to get used to it.”

“It’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on a great run,” Pat revealed.

He said that the show became more than a show and was ingrained into pop culture, which he called gratifying.

Pat filmed his last show in April.

WHY HE’S READY

Pat also told his daughter that he could go on for years and years, but thinks now is a good time to leave.

“What made you decide that this is the right time for you to leave the show?” Maggie wondered.

“I’ve always said, ‘I’d rather leave a couple years too early than a couple years too late’,” Pat responded.

“Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while, but there’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do.”

“I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years and I’m looking forward to whatever is ahead,” he ended.

FINAL SPIN

Pat first announced his retirement in June 2023, after the game show’s Season 40 finale.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted the Monday after the finale.

“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”

Ryan Seacrest has been named his successor.

He will co-host with Vanna White, who has been by Pat’s side since 1981.

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Pat said that he hopes to continue to do his crossword puzzles and hinted to his daughter that he would like to play with grandchildrenCredit: Getty

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Pat shares Maggie and Patrick with his wife, Lesly Brown, but neither of his children have kids of their ownCredit: Getty

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The 77-year-old has hosted the game show alongside Vanna White since 1981Credit: Getty