Vanna White Stuns Fans with Announcement
Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to Pat Sajak, her co-host of more than 40 years, ahead of his final episode as the host of "Wheel of Fortune."
On Thursday's episode of the beloved game show, White honored Sajak's work and their friendship with a video segment that featured clips and photos tracing their collaboration from the 1980s to the present.
"As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you'll still be close by. You're like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore," she said. "I love you, Pat."
White said that while their long-running work collaboration has been significant to her - noting that he made her feel "so comfortable and so confident" when she started - she said their personal friendship has meant much more.
"As much fun as we had on camera, those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families, outside the studio, are my favorite," she said, seeming to hold back tears. "We've watched our children grow up together, we've traveled all over the world, we've eaten hundreds of meals together. We've laughed, we've cried, we've celebrated."
One of television's most iconic duos
After the prerecorded video segment ended, Sajak and White shared a hug on stage.
Sajak and White have been one of television's most iconic duos since they started working on "Wheel of Fortune" together in 1982, when the show first aired in syndication. Sajak and White stand as two of the longest-serving hosts of any television program in the game show category. They have appeared in over 8,000 episodes together, with Sajak leading the contestants through the game and White famously turning the letters on the puzzle board.
Sajak announced last year he would retire as the host after the 2023-24 season of the popular game show. "It's been a wonderful ride, " he said at the time. White said on social media after he announced his departure, "When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we'd still be at it 41 seasons later?"
White extended her contract in September through the 2025-2026 season and will help shepherd Sajak's replacement, Ryan Seacrest, through his first two seasons at the helm.
When Seacrest was announced as Sajak's successor, Seacrest said in a statement he was "truly humbled" to take over.
"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 said.
Sajak's final episode airs Friday.
Breaking news man fall from parachute
A skydiver has died after a mid-air collision with another person jumping at an event in Montana.
On Monday, Aug. 4, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, a skydiving accident involving "two individuals [who] collided in free fall" occurred in Marion, Meadow Peak Skydiving confirmed in a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
The tragedy occurred during the annual Lost Prairie Boogie event hosted by the skydiving company, according to CBS affiliate KPAX
Meadow Peak Skydiving said in the release, "During a jump involving multiple skydivers, two individuals collided in free fall. One of the jumpers lost consciousness during the collision. Although the unconscious jumper’s reserve parachute was deployed, they sustained fatal injuries upon landing."
"The other jumper involved in the collision was able to deploy their main parachute and landed safely," authorities noted.
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"The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin," the company added, confirming it was "working closely with local authorities and the United States Parachute Association (USPA) regarding the incident."
The other individual involved in the collision was medically cleared after being tended to by emergency personnel, according to NBC Montana.
“Our hearts are broken,” a representative for Meadow Peak Skydiving said, per the release obtained by PEOPLE. “This is a devastating loss, and our deepest sympathies are with the jumper’s family, friends, and the entire skydiving community.”
The company insisted it "remains committed to upholding the highest standards of training, safety, and professionalism," adding, "At this time, the team at Meadow Peak Skydiving remains focused on supporting those involved. No further statements will be made at this time."
The USPA added in a press release obtained by PEOPLE, "USPA extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow jumpers affected by this tragedy. The skydiving community is close-knit, and every loss is deeply felt."
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office said it "extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and skydiving community affected by this tragic loss,” according to KPAX News, citing a news release.
A message on the Meadow Peak Skydiving website confirmed 2025 marked the 58th annual Lost Prairie Boogie event, as well as the 15th anniversary of the skydiving company's operation.
According to local newspaper the
An experienced skydiver from Minnesota also died following a parachute malfunction in 2019, according to the outlet.
The investigation continues.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office and the Marion Fire Department did not immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
