Pat Sajak

Congratulations as season 43 winds down.

Enjoying Fanday Fundays.

Congratulations to Wheel as season 42 winds down.

Wheel’s looking good.

Thank you all so very much.

Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” was born on this date in 1925. I owe the man so much. He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981. That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.

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!)

Sad to say that Wheel’s director, Bob Ennis, will be leaving the show after this season. Bob’s been with us since 1983 & has been our director since 2015. His calm, steady leadership is just what we needed. I wish him and his wife, Alex, many happy and healthy retirement years.

So sorry to learn that contestant co-producer Jackie Lamatis has left our show after more than 30 years. She’s a dear friend, and her work with our players was absolutely amazing. She will be sorely missed, but I know a lot of good things and happy times lie ahead.