Vanna White has no plans to follow Pat Sajak into retirement anytime soon.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the Wheel of Fortune co-host is currently in negotiations to remain on the long-running game show after Sajak announced on June 13 that he would be leaving it by the end of its upcoming 41st season.
White, who has been a mainstay of the game show as a host and letter opener since 1982, is looking to boost her salary with her first raise in 18 years.
While she received some bonuses during this time, White made $3 million a year while Sajak makes nearly five times that amount.
At this point, no details have been released about the potential new contract, her new salary, or if White could be in the running to take over Sajak’s job as a presenter.
Continue to play! Vanna White, 66, is reportedly in negotiations for a new contract to stay with Wheel Of Fortune; pictured in LA in May 2022
According to Entertainment Weekly, the new contract includes her first pay rise in 18 years after Pat Sajak’s retirement announcement. The North Carolina native reportedly makes $3 million a year; shown with Sajak
In an interview with , a source quoted White as saying she would “strongly consider” succeeding Sajak once he retires in 2024.
“It’s going to be quite a ride next year and Vanna wants to be around after he leaves and hopes she won’t be pressured into going out,” the insider explained.
The 66-year-old TV personality has co-hosted the long-running game show with Sajak since 1982, and the insider stressed the star has no desire to stop now.
“Vanna is in it for the long haul,” added the source. “If she doesn’t take Pat’s job when it’s done, she would love to be part of the selection process for Pat’s replacement because, if she has her way, she’s going to be there forever.”
The North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native is said to be aware that deciding on Sajak’s replacement will take time and that the show’s executives will likely want to take full advantage of his departure
Sajak, 76, announced his retirement plans in early June, tweeting, “Well the time has come.” “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which starts in September, will be my last.”
He continued, “It has been a wonderful ride and I will have more to say in the coming months.” Thank you all. (If nothing else, it will keep the clickbait sites busy!)’
Representatives for the long-running game show also shared some kind words on Twitter, which read, “Thank you to the best host in the business.” Wheel of Fortune wouldn’t be what it is today without you, Pat. I look forward to the Season 41 will be better than ever!’
Sajak’s presence will still be felt behind the scenes on Wheel Of Fortune as the Chicago native will serve as a consultant for the show for the next three years, according to a statement to People.
White more than hinted at her intention to stay with Wheel Of Fortune last December when she revealed she wasn’t ready to leave it all behind.
“Everyone associates ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know?
White finds it hard to see anyone other than herself or Sajak in the hosting positions, saying she “can only imagine us being there”. I can’t think beyond that.’
“We’re a team,” she added. “That is depressing. I don’t even want to think about it.’
Iconic: A source quoted White as saying she would be “very much considering” taking on Sajak once he retires in 2024; but so far there’s no official word on whether she’s ready for the host appearance; The two hosts have been working together for more than 40 years
What a ride: Last December, White celebrated her 40th anniversary with Sajak at Wheel Of Fortune
Dynamic duo: The White and Sajak team have been huge hits on all variations of the show on NBC, CBS and ABC for the last 40+ years
Just last December, the former Miss Georgia USA contestant celebrated the 40th anniversary of her first appearance on Wheel Of Fortune with an Instagram post.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this but 40 years ago today I recorded my first episode of @wheelofffortune,” she recalled in the caption. It was also a wonderful 40 years! I’m so grateful to those of you watching and all of you behind the scenes who make sure we look good. Without all of you we wouldn’t be here anymore! (And the cake was delicious!)’
Sajak’s 41st and final season of Wheel Of Fortune kicks off in September and if the past few years are any indication his final shows are likely to air in June next summer.
The iconic game show, created by Merv Griffin, first aired on daytime television in 1975.