“As this chapter of our lives is coming to an end, I know you’ll still be close by,” she said in conclusion. “You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”
Pat first announced his retirement in June of last year when he revealed that season 41 of Wheel of Fortune would be his last.
“It’s been a wonderful ride,” he said in a statement to E! News at the time, “and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
As Pat says goodbye, Ryan Seacrest is getting ready to jump in and take over hosting duties for the 77-year-old. And as the American Idol emcee shared, he’s particularly thankful Vanna will still be there to help guide him.
“She’s a legend. She’s an icon,” Ryan told E! News last year. “We spent a little shooting some promos for next season, and she’s just so down to earth. She’s exactly what you would expect.”
And Vanna is also excited about spinning into a new era with Ryan.
“He was just so kind. And he goes, ‘No one’s ever gonna replace Pat, I’m not trying to replace Pat,'” she said to E! News in October. “I’m just thrilled to be able to work with you and I’ll do whatever it takes. Please teach me whatever I need to know.’ So that was really nice.”
Keep reading for a look at the TV icon herself through the years.
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