Wheel of Fortune host, Pat Sajak, recently revealed that he had emergency surgery for a clogged intestine. In his first interview since the procedure, Sajak shared his fears and gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
Facing a Life-Threatening Situation
Sajak began experiencing excruciating pain in November while on a stroll with his daughter. Within hours, he found himself doubled over in agony and on the verge of surgery. Despite the use of various medications to manage his discomfort, nothing seemed to relieve the pain.
In a vulnerable moment, Sajak shared, “I remember saying, without being morbid, ‘I guess this must be death.’”. He confessed that he was worried about his wife and children, thinking about how they would have to deal with the aftermath.
A Surprising Turn of Events
To Sajak’s astonishment, the anguish was followed by a unique experience. He suddenly saw a face surrounded by vibrant colors, and the voices of his daughter and wife seemed distant yet comforting. “All of a sudden, I wasn’t thinking about the discomfort,” he said.
A Successful Surgery and a Bright Outlook
Fortunately, the surgery was a success, and Sajak’s fears of dying were proven baseless. Doctors found no underlying cause for the blockage and confirmed that he can continue his life as before.
Sajak expressed relief and joy, stating, “Since a few weeks ago, I’ve been feeling fantastic. I’ve begun working on concerts in the studio again. Nothing popped even after the wheel was spun. Therefore, in my opinion, everything is OK.”
Humorous Exchange with Co-host Vanna White
During his recovery, Sajak’s longtime co-host, Vanna White, filled in for him. In the interview, Sajak light-heartedly shared his concern about being replaced by White as the main host. With a chuckle, he said, “I learned she enjoys hosting, and I’m a little nervous.”
Sajak remains in good spirits and confident about his position on Wheel of Fortune, quipping, “I still have my wits about me. They left that in place, so I’ll keep selling vowels for a very long time.”
Ryan Seacrest to Succeed Pat Sajak as Host of Wheel of Fortune
After Pat Sajak announced his retirement from the beloved game show, Wheel of Fortune, fans wondered who would fill his shoes as the next host. Speculations ranged from Vanna White stepping up to a new face joining the show. However, it has been officially announced that Ryan Seacrest will be taking over as the new host of Wheel of Fortune.
In a statement, Seacrest expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. He acknowledged Sajak’s incredible contribution to the show, saying, “For 40 years, Pat and Vanna have brought joy and laughter into our homes every night, making us feel right at home. Pat, I admire how you always praised the contestants and made the audience feel at ease. As we go through this transition, I’m excited to learn from you and continue the wheel-spinning legacy.”