'Wheel of Fortune' announces Pat Sajak's replacement host

Ryan Seacrest will replace iconic "Wheel of Fortune" game show host Pat Sajak at the end of next season, NBC News reported Tuesday.

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," 48-year-old Seacrest said in an Instagram post Tuesday afternoon.

"I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them," Seacrest also wrote.

"Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."

Sajak announced his retirement in a tweet earlier this month.

"Well, the time has come. 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. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)" 76-year-old Sajak wrote June 12, as TheBlaze reported.

Sajak earned six Daytime Emmy Awards and 24 nominations during his career. He won a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, the People's Choice Award in 1987, and had a star placed on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 1994.

Vanna White, longtime letter-turner on "Wheel" is reportedly negotiating her contract to stay with the classic game show, Puck News reported Thursday. She has not received a raise in 18 years, the outlet said. White is 66 and has served in her role on the show since 1982.

Seacrest signed a multi-year agreement and will also serve as consulting producer, CNN reported, citing a press release from Sony Pictures Television, the company that produces "Wheel of Fortune."

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