Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak recently revealed his harrowing experience with a clogged intestine that led to emergency surgery. In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Sajak confessed that he genuinely believed he might not make it through the procedure.
It all started in November when Sajak began experiencing excruciating pain during his daily stroll with his daughter. Within a few hours, the pain became unbearable, and he found himself on the operating table, fearing the worst.
“I was lying in the fetal position on the bed,” Sajak recalled. “They tried different medications to ease my discomfort, but nothing seemed to work.”
However, the moment he was given a particular medication, the anguish disappeared. Sajak described a surreal experience of seeing a beautiful face amidst vibrant hues.
“All of a sudden, I wasn’t thinking about the pain anymore,” he shared. “I heard my daughter and wife talking in the background, but they seemed so far away. It was like I entered a different realm.”
Despite his concerns for his family, thinking they would have to deal with the aftermath, Sajak came out of the surgery successfully, realizing that his fears of dying had been unfounded.
“It turns out I was just stoned,” he chuckled.
The surgery was a total success, and doctors found no underlying cause for the blockage. Sajak expressed his gratitude for feeling fantastic in recent weeks and resumed his work on Wheel of Fortune. He reassured fans that everything was okay, even after the wheel was spun.
During his recovery, Vanna White, Sajak’s longtime co-host, filled in for him. In the interview, Sajak playfully expressed his nervousness about White potentially taking over as the main host of the show.
“I found out she enjoys hosting, and that makes me a little apprehensive,” he joked.
But Sajak remains confident and comfortable in his role, assuring everyone that he still has his wits about him and will continue selling vowels for a very long time.
Ryan Seacrest Announced as New Host
Following Pat Sajak’s retirement announcement from Wheel of Fortune, speculation mounted about who would take over as the next host. Many wondered if Vanna White would assume the role or if a fresh face with a strong work ethic would be chosen.
Recently, it was officially announced that Ryan Seacrest would be stepping into the prestigious position. Seacrest expressed his gratitude in a statement, acknowledging the incredible contribution Sajak has made to the show over the years.
“I’m truly humbled to be following in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. 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 uplifted the contestants and put the audience at ease. As we transition, I look forward to learning from you and continuing the legacy of spinning the wheel.”
With this exciting news, Wheel of Fortune fans can anticipate a smooth and entertaining transition as their beloved game show continues to captivate audiences with new energy and enthusiasm.
