Pat Sajak Reflects on 'Gratifying' Journey Hosting “Wheel of Fortune” Ahead of His Last Episode: 'A Great 40 Years'

The game show host will be retiring after the season 41 finale on Friday, June 7

Pat Sajak is opening up about his time as the host of Wheel of Fortune.

In a video shared with Good Morning America on Monday, June 3, Pat spoke about his career journey on the show ahead of his final episode airing on Friday, June 7.

Wheel of Fortune, which follows contestants as they compete against each other in word quizzes to win cash prizes, has seen Pat host the show since 1981.

"It’s surprisingly okay,” he said of how he felt during his last week of shows.

Speaking to his daughter Maggie Sajak, who has served as Wheel of Fortune’s social correspondent since 2021, Pat said: “This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago. So I've had time to sort of get used to it.”

Related: Pat Sajak Hilariously Loses Control After Wheel of Fortune Contestants Celebrate Incorrect Answer: 'No, No, No!'

“And it's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run," the game show host added. "Somewhere along the line, we became more than a popular show. We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people's lives. And, that's been awfully gratifying.”

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Pat went on to tell his 29-year-old daughter that he’s always believed in leaving “a couple years too early than a couple of years too late,” adding that "it's been a great 40 years, and I'm looking forward to whatever's ahead."

Related: Pat Sajak Sets Wheel of Fortune Retirement Date After 4 Decades as Host

The TV veteran said that there were other things he wanted to focus on.

"I'm perfectly happy if it just means that I'll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint. No pressure,” he jokingly told his daughter, who he shares with wife Lesly Brown. The couple also share son Patrick Michael, 33.

Pat has hosted Wheel of Fortune alongside Vanna White since she joined in 1982. In the wake of his exit, he will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest.

"Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible," Seacrest, 49, told PEOPLE in April. "He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him."

"So do I feel pressure? Sure," he added. "People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well."

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Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights (check local listings).

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