'Wheel of Fortune' Pat Sajak Undergoes Emergency Surgery, Vanna White Steps In!
By Gary Trock on November 8, 2019 at 2:17 PM EST
"Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak is on the mend after undergoing successful emergency surgery and his longtime co-star Vanna White is stepping in to take over hosting duties. The announcement was made Friday afternoon that Sajak was rushed to the hospital for a blocked intestine on Thursday, resulting in the cancellation of a "Wheel" taping.
"The Wheel of Fortune taping on Thursday was canceled because host Pat Sajak underwent successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine. He is resting comfortably and looking forward to getting back to work. Taping resumed today as scheduled and Vanna White has stepped in as host."
The crew even threw up a special message on the famous letter-turning board that read, "Get Well soon Pat!"
Vanna White has already assumed her duties as interim host, and has some pretty special guests for her first gig. White was joined by Disney stars Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy for the holiday edition of "Wheel."
"Vanna steps in as host and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto join in the fun!"
It's unclear who will be turning the letters as White stands ready at the spinning wheel, but maybe she'll get some help from her Disney pals.
As soon as "WOF" announced the news on Pat Sajak, fans began flooding their Instagram feed with positive vibes and messages of love while the legendary TV host recovers from emergency surgery.
"Best wishes for fast recovery Pat. On this Veterans day, Thank you for serving," one fan wrote.
Another commented, sending well wishes mr. sajak! vanna’s holding it down."
As it has already been announced that Sajak is doing well in recovery, fans are also excited for Vanna White to get her shot as a host.
"Get well soon pat ❤️ (also dude note I’m kinda excited to see Vanna host!)" one exuberant fan added.
Pat Sajak and Vanna White have co-hosted the long-running syndicated talk show since 1983. They've developed a strong friendship over the years and fans enjoy the banter between the two stars.
Recently, Vanna spoke on the success of the show during an event celebrating the 7000th episode of "Wheel of Fortune."
"I thought, ‘Well, this is gonna be fun, but I can’t imagine it lasting that long. I remember sitting in the chair next to Pat saying, ‘I wonder where we’ll be in 10 years?’ … And here it’s been 36."
Both stars have also recently renewed their contracts to stay on "Wheel" until 2022.
It's unclear how long Vanna's hosting duties will last with Pat recovering from surgery, but he may want to learn how to turn some letters just in case she ends up being the new fan favorite!
