Pat Sajak was seen in a rare public appearance after his retirement from Wheel of Fortune.
Sajak, 79, stepped out at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, October 8, to honor Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock.
“I do know a little bit about longevity,” Sajak said in a speech at the induction ceremony. “As was pointed out, I did my little show for over 40 years, and I understand the challenge of trying not to wear out your welcome.”
He continued: “But Graham and Russell have been at this for over 50 years, and they continue to entertain their fans and be welcomed by sold-out crowds all around the world.”
Sajak joked he “planned to get a large Air Supply logo tattoo on my chest” to honor the musicians.
“But then I thought it might detract from my nipple ring, so I decided not to do that,” he quipped. “I’ll pause a moment while you poke out your mind’s eye.”
He added: “It’s been a privilege to share so many wonderful moments with you, and I look forward to many, many more.”
Sajak began hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981. He shocked viewers in 2023 when he announced his retirement. (Ryan Seacrest has since taken over the show’s hosting duties.)
“Well, the time has come,” Sajak said in his 2023 statement. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
The following year, Sajak issued a special message during his last episode of the show.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said in 2024. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
The host opened up about how he always felt the “responsibility” to keep the show as “a safe place for family fun” every day.
“No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing … I hope. Just a game,” he continued. “But gradually it became more than that — a place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors and entire generations. … Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
