Pat Sajak Hints at Leaving Wheel of Fortune After 40 Years: 'The End is Near'

It might soon be time for Pat Sajak to say goodbye to Wheel of Fortune.

Currently in its 40th season, the beloved game show has been hosted by Sajak since 1981. In an interview with ET, however, Sajak hinted that things might be coming to a close soon. "In most television shows by this time, you would have said, 'That’s probably enough,' but this show will not die," said the host. "It appears I may go before the show."

"Years go by fast. We're getting near the end. It's been a long [time]. We're not gonna do this for another 40 years," Sajak said. "The end is near... It's an honor to have been in people's living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We're happy and proud."

Over his 40-year tenure, Sajak has taken home three Dayntime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host (and racked up some 19 nomiantions). While he may be teasing his departure, he's still got the rest of Season 40 ahead, plus the third season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune alongside longtime co-host Vanna White. 

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Season 3 premieres September 25. 

People are talking about Wheel of Fortune in our forums. Join the conversation. 

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.