WHEEL of Fortune host Pat Sajak has a blast from the past when his daughter Maggie shared a throwback pic of him seemingly predicting his future as a game show host.

The 77-year-old wraps up his time as host of Wheel of Fortune on Friday with his final episode airing.

Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak's daughter Maggie shared a sweet throwback pic of her dad
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Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie shared a sweet throwback pic of her dadCredit: Getty

She teased that her father appeared to predict his future on TV in the picture
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She teased that her father appeared to predict his future on TV in the pictureCredit: Instagram/Maggie Sajak

Pat's final episode of WoF with his co-host, Vanna White, airs on Friday
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Pat’s final episode of WoF with his co-host, Vanna White, airs on FridayCredit: Wheel of Fortune
Fans have been aware of Pat’s plans to retire after Season 41 since June 2023, when he announced his departure.

Pat’s daughter reflected on his over 40-year career by sharing a black and white photo of her dad as a boy, appearing to play the part of a game show host.

The TV personality sported a black tuxedo as he posed for the pic in his bedroom, with one hand on a television set.

“Little did he know…” Maggie wrote in her Instagram caption, pointing out the irony of the picture.

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Fans raced to the comments to share their disappointment that Pat would no longer be hosting the beloved game show.

“There will never be another game show host like your father. It was always a pleasure to watch him on Wheel of Fortune,” one fan praised.

“Can’t believe this is it! I’ve watched since the beginning with my Grandmother, my Mother my Children and now my Grandchildren!” said another.

“This is so sweet! I’m so sad tonight is his last show. I’m 43 and have been watching for as long as I can remember. I hope he has a lovely retirement,” a third added.

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Others dubbed the TV star a “legend” for being the longest-running host of a single game show in history.

Shortly after Pat shared the news of his retirement, it was revealed that American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, 49, would be taking his place on WoF.
Pat Sajak and Vanna White tearfully hug as she surprises Wheel of Fortune host with graceful tribute before exit
Pat’s longtime partner, Vanna White, 67, will continue to work alongside Ryan, and they have already started filming together.

However, Vanna made it clear in a heartfelt message to her colleague that she’ll miss being on set with Pat.

On Thursday’s episode, Vanna – who joined WoF in 1981 – teared up while saying goodbye to Pat, calling their time together an “unforgettable journey.”

She also reflected on their bond and how she considered Pat a “lifelong friend.”

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

While Pat’s final days on the show have been emotional, he’s looking forward to having more downtime.

Earlier this week, a source exclusively revealed to The U.S. Sun that the father of two has no plans to take on another gig after leaving WoF.

“You can sum up Pat’s retirement plans in one word: Retirement,” the insider said.

The source also said that Pat’s focus will be on having a “peaceful and happy home life,” and devoting more time to his and his his wife, Lesly Brown’s, charity.

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“Pat really has nothing left to prove in showbusiness and should be very proud that he’s been able to leave this job on his own terms and leave the show in good hands,” the insider added.

The Chicago native began hosting WoF in 1981.

Ryan Seacrest was announced as Pat's replacement
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Ryan Seacrest was announced as Pat’s replacement