Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie reveals what she really thinks of Ryan Seacrest taking over her dad’s Wheel Of Fortune gig
Ryan Seacrest is about two weeks into his new gig as host of Wheel Of Fortune following Pat Sajak’s retirement after more than four decades on the job.
And with those handful of shows now on the books, Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajakrevealed that she thinks Seacrest is doing a “great job” and that he has been “so professional” as the new host of the iconic game show.
“I’m sure you would think so, but he really appreciates the show and knows how important it is,” 29-year-old Maggie said. We weekly while attending the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, September 21. “You can really see how prepared he is and how he treats the participants and how he treats the whole experience.”
Although Seacrest has stepped in as a newcomer, there will still be some familiarity on set with Vanna White as co-host.
The show turned into something of a family affair, as Maggie has been working with the Wheel Of Fortune team as an official social correspondent since 2021.
Pay Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, revealed that she thinks Seacrest is doing a “great job” and that he has been “so professional” as Wheel Of Fortune’s new host since taking over on September 9.
Sajak has so adored White over the decades as a working colleague and longtime friend that Maggie and her relatives consider her part of their family.
“We jokingly say she’s Aunt Vanna, but I’ve actually known her since before I was born,” she told the outlet. ‘She’s great, I enjoy watching her work now. We have a lot of fun, I include her in TikToks I’m doing and stuff like that, so she’s the best.”
Maggie added: “She really is such an icon, such a legend and such an amazing person too. She’s as sweet as she seems.’
WOF’s social correspondent then painted a picture of what it was like growing up on the set of such an iconic game show over the years.
‘It is a special show for so many people and it is more than just a show, which may sound a bit cheesy, but it really is. I mean, this is a bond between generations,” Maggie said, before talking about the importance the production has had on viewers.
‘This is the time when families eat together. I mean, it’s very special,” she explained. “When people have come up to my dad or told me how special the show is to them, it goes beyond just ‘I love that show’ and to be a part of it now is very meaningful to me.”
Maggie and her family are protective of the Wheel of Fortune legacy and how it would move forward after Pat’s departure, but she feels like “it’s in good hands, so we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Pat Sajak first announced his plan to retire as host of Wheel Of Fortune in June 2023 after 41 years on the job.
Seacrest shared some complimentary comments about Pat Sajak as he resigned after more than four decades to hand over the government to him
Sajak, 77, said his final farewell to the show’s devoted fans on June 7
The old Sajak-White team wore their emotions on their sleeves as they parted
He said he felt he should leave on his own terms, and that he would rather leave a few years too early than too late.
The Chicago, Illinois native then officially retired from the legendary show during last season’s finale, which aired June 7 on ABC.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm and humor have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” Seacrest shared in a heartfelt tribute to Sajak. “Your collaboration with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together you have created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for landlords everywhere and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!’
Seacrest officially began his hosting career on September 9, marking the start of the show’s 42nd season.
Ryan Seacrest, with Vanna White at his side, took over as host of Wheel Of Fortune on September 9, following Sajak’s departure in June
“I’m sure you would think so, but he really appreciates the show and knows how important it is,” Maggie Sajak told Us Weekly while attending the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, September 21.
Vanna White addresses rumors that she ‘doesn’t jive’ with Seacrest by sharing a photo of the two having dinner together as friends off camera
While Seacrest is already building his own legacy at the helm, Pat Sajak returns to host his final season of Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune, premiering on Monday, October 7.
Maggie and the Sajak family as a whole have been protective of Wheel of Fortune and how it would move forward after Pat’s departure, but she feels like “it’s in good hands, so we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Created by Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune ranks as the longest-running syndicated game show in the US, with 8,000 episodes recorded and airing starting June 7, the last episode Pat Sajak served as host before handing the reins to Seacrest.
The show, which airs on CBS, has been running continuously since its debut on January 6, 1975