'Wheel of Fortune' star Pat Sajak gives rare glimpse into retirement in viral social media spotlight
· Fox News
Pat Sajak isn’t solving puzzles anymore — he’s stealing the spotlight on social media.
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The former "Wheel of Fortune" host is offering a glimpse into retirement, popping up alongside his daughter, Maggie Sajak, in a series of playful videos that quickly gained traction online.
During a recent outing, Maggie jokingly tried to bargain her way out of paying for dinner, offering her father "two lipliners and a piece of gum" in a cheeky social media video.
"POV: you’re out to dinner with your parents," the social media text said.
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"It’s OK," he lip-synced. "It’s on the house."
Fans were quick to comment on the viral video.
"Yes. Even the vowels are on the house. Hi Pat! I like these father and daughter skits you both do," one user wrote.
"I love how much you spend with your parents, especially your father. Its hard to find these days.." another added.
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The lighthearted exchange is just the latest example of Pat embracing a more relaxed chapter of life after stepping away from television.
Last month, Pat and Maggie teamed up again — this time on a bigger stage — serving as guest announcers at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. The appearance marked a full-circle moment for Pat, who landed his first TV job in the same city at WSM-TV (now WSMV).
Backstage, the father-daughter duo appeared to be with country music stars including Brad Paisley. At one point, Pat even got "roped" into dancing with the Opry Square Dancers — a very different moment from his decades behind the puzzle board.
Fans once again chimed in.
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"Miss seeing your dad on The Wheel it's not the same," one commenter wrote.
"Love that you and your Dad are so close and he goes along with stuff. He's a cool Dad!" another shared.
In February, Pat appeared in another clip, strutting down a hallway while lip-syncing to K-Pop star Jennie’s remix of the artist Tame Impala’s "Dracula."
In a moment that quickly made the rounds online, he covered his mouth just as the track dropped an F-bomb — a move fans saw as classic, polished Pat.
"The perfect censoring with the hands. That's a seasoned TV man!" one TikTok user wrote.
"Pat's looking healthy and rested," another commented.
"Man, do we miss Pat. No shade to Ryan [Seacrest] though," another added.
"Hope he's enjoying his retirement!" a fan shared.
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Another "Wheel of Fortune" fan echoed the sentiment: "He's looking so happy as always! I was on the show 15 years ago and he was such a pleasure in person to meet!"
Other comments read, "I miss Pat on my TV!"
Pat announced in June 2023 that he would step down from hosting "Wheel of Fortune," closing the book on a four-decade run that made him one of the most recognizable faces on television.
Weeks later, Ryan Seacrest was named his successor, ushering in a new era for the long-running game show.
Meanwhile, co-host Vanna White signed a contract extension that will keep her on the show through the 2025–2026 season, maintaining a familiar presence for longtime viewers.
"Wheel of Fortune" first premiered in 1975, with Pat taking over hosting duties in 1981. White joined the following year, cementing a partnership that would span decades.