At 68, Vanna White Finally Opens Up About Ryan Seacrest

Vanna White has finally opened up about Ryan Seacrest, and her words are both emotional and enlightening for fans who have watched her on Wheel of Fortune for over four decades.

As the show enters a new era with Seacrest taking over for longtime host Pat Sajak, many viewers have wondered what the transition has been like for Vanna, who has stood by Pat’s side since 1982.

Now, for the first time, she’s shared her honest thoughts about this major shift — and her surprising feelings about working with Ryan.

Vanna White is known for her grace, professionalism, and quiet consistency.

While she’s been a fixture of American television since the early 80s, she rarely opens up publicly about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show or her personal opinions about co-stars.

But the departure of Pat Sajak — her partner on screen for over 40 years — was a monumental moment. Fans questioned whether she would retire as well or try to adjust to the new chapter.

Instead, Vanna decided to stay, and in doing so, she’s chosen to embrace a new energy on set.

When asked what it was like to welcome Ryan Seacrest as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, Vanna didn’t hesitate to acknowledge her initial uncertainty.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” she admitted.

“After working with the same person for more than half my life, it’s hard to imagine someone else standing in that spot. Pat and I had a rhythm. We could finish each other’s sentences. It was natural. So of course I wondered — would that kind of chemistry be possible again?”

As it turns out, Vanna was pleasantly surprised. “From the very first meeting, Ryan was warm, respectful, and incredibly kind,” she said.

“He didn’t come in trying to change everything or act like he knew better. He listened. He observed. And most importantly, he made me feel like I mattered in this new phase of the show.”

According to Vanna, Ryan approached his new role with humility and appreciation for the legacy he was stepping into.

One of the most touching parts of her reflections is how she describes their growing friendship.

“Ryan has this way of making people feel comfortable, like you’ve known him forever.

He brings his own style, his own voice, but he also respects what this show means to the audience — and to me.”

She continued, “He took the time to get to know not just the camera version of me, but the real me. And that meant everything.”

Vanna also revealed that Ryan personally reached out to her months before taping began.

“He called me just to talk — not about the show, but about life, about what it’s been like doing this for so long, and what I was feeling about all the changes. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. And that told me everything I needed to know about the kind of person he is.”

Of course, adapting after four decades of working with someone as closely as she did with Pat wasn’t easy.

Vanna shared that there were emotional moments — even tears — in the early days.

“There were days I’d look over at the spot where Pat used to stand and feel this ache. But then Ryan would say something funny or encouraging, and I’d feel okay again. Not because he was trying to replace Pat — because he wasn’t — but because he was bringing his own heart to the role.”

She also emphasized that Ryan respects the show’s traditions while still giving it a fresh energy.

“He’s not trying to be Pat. He’s just being himself — and that’s more than enough. I think viewers will see that. I think they already are.”

As for what the future holds, Vanna said she’s excited. “I wasn’t sure how I’d feel when Pat announced he was retiring.

Part of me thought maybe I should too. But then I realized, I still love what I do. I love the fans. I love the show. And now, I have a new chapter to write — one I never expected, but one I’m grateful for.”

In the end, Vanna White’s message is clear: change is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be scary.

With openness, respect, and kindness — the very things she says Ryan Seacrest brings to the set every day — something beautiful can grow.

And after 40 years of turning letters, Vanna’s still standing, smiling, and reminding us all that it’s never too late to start again.