‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Joked about Marrying Vanna White — Inside Their Longtime Bond

• Pat Sajak and Vanna White have gained fame as the hosts of the widely popular TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" since the late 1980s.
• Pat Sajak once joked about marrying his co-host, which ignited romantic speculation among their devoted fans.
• He has also hinted that they envision a departure from the show in the future.

Television personalities Pat Sajak and Vanna White have known each other since the 1980s. Interestingly, they once sparked romance rumors due to a playful remark Sajak had a few years ago. This led some fans to send them gifts intended for a married couple.

Pat Sajak and Vanna White have extensive careers in the entertainment industry, as both are renowned television hosts. The pair have established a long-time bond while sharing the same screen as the faces of the popular game show "Wheel of Fortune."

In 1982, when White was just 25 years old, she auditioned to co-host the famous game show alongside Sajak, who was 35 at the time. About 200 women were considered for the role, and White emerged as one of two finalists.

According to biographer Marianne Robin-Tani, show creator Merv Griffin was quickly drawn to White's qualities—her determination, charm, and relatable all-American, girl-next-door image.

In contrast to Griffin's views on White, Sajak initially did not recommend her for the show. During White's audition with Sajak, she performed poorly and was incredibly nervous, noted by Sajak as a "basket case."

Although White's remarkable qualities captivated Griffin, the TV presenter herself remembered things differently. "Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White revealed in an interview:

"I think when [series creator] Merv Griffin chose both of us, 40 and 41 years ago, he saw something between us."

Despite White's performance and Sajak's remark, Griffin believed she would overcome her stage fright. He also liked White and Sajak's on-screen relationship, describing it as a "brother-sister chemistry."

The pair quickly became comfortable in their working relationship. They even sparked speculations about their romantic connection after "Wheel of Fortune" Pat Sajak joked about marrying his co-host. Robin-Tani recalled:

"Pat once joked when Vanna was dressed in lacy White [on the show] that they were going to get married, and for years they couldn't dispel the rumors. People even sent them toasters and Crock-Pots!"

Despite their romance rumors, White has continued speaking highly of him and described him as funny. Recalling their time on the show, she mentioned that they spent time together every few weeks and that she finds their dynamic perfect.

They have also come to understand each other's quirks and habits, and White said they can "speak each other's language." She added that they can easily sense when the other is in a bad mood without even needing to speak.

Over their three decades of working together, White revealed that she and Sajak only had one argument: their choice of condiments. White is a fan of ketchup and mustard, while Sajak has a different preference.

The Truth behind Pat Sajak and Vanna White's Relationship

In a past interview, White reminisced about an April Fool's prank "years and years ago," where she and Sajak hinted at being together, though not explicitly stating they were married. Her co-host concurred with her recollection.

Sajak mentioned that he and White had received toasters and crock pots as gifts, and it took them a few years to convince people that they didn't need any more kitchen appliances. On why they managed to get along well, Sajak said one of the reasons for their good relationship is because White is a nice person.

Although their decades-long professional relationship led fans to wonder if they would end up together, Sajak and White never got married, but they ultimately did end up with their own partners.

Sajak and his current wife, Lesly Brown, have shared a joyful marriage since 1990. Brown is a former model who once appeared on "The Dating Game" and shares two kids with the veteran host: son Patrick Michael James Sajak and daughter Maggie Sajak.

Brown is Sajak's second wife. Before Brown, Sajak married his first wife, Sherrill Sajak, in 1979. The couple ultimately divorced in 1986. The former pair had no kids during their marriage.

Similarly, White has had her fair share of romantic experiences. She has a family of her own and has been in a relationship with John Donaldson since 2013, following her marriage to George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 1992.

White has two children, Nikko Santo Pietro and Gigi Santo Pietro, from her previous marriage. She was also known for her engagement to soap opera actor John Gibson, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1986.

Now, with Donaldson as her partner, White has been open about their future together. While marriage is not currently on the cards, she feels a deep connection with him and believes there's no need to change anything, as she already feels "married" to him.

Pat Sajak's Thoughts about Their Iconic Game Show

From their uncertain beginnings on the "Wheel of Fortune" to creating a lasting lifelong friendship, White and Sajak's relationship has truly stood the test of time. Their professionalism and close connection will remain solid even if they no longer become hosts of the show.

In 2021, Sajak has predicted that he and White could see them leaving the show anytime soon. "We're certainly closer to the end than the beginning," Sajak said. He hinted at a desire to step down before viewers started wondering what happened to him physically.

When asked if it's reasonable to expect their presence in the industry for another ten years, he and White agreed that it's unlikely, indicating that their time on television may be limited.

White reiterated her close bond with Sajak, likening their relationship to that of siblings after working together for more than 30 years. They reportedly share a strong connection and can almost finish each other's sentences.

While the idea of taking a break in the distant future is on the table, the pair have just extended their contracts to host the show until 2024. This means the show's viewers can expect to see them on the show for a while longer.