Unveiling the Unprecedented: Vanna White's Extraordinary Week Amidst COVID-19 Takes Center Stage on 'Wheel of Fortune'
'Wheel of Fortune' host Vanna White's absence from the show's Teacher's Week episodes due to her battle with COVID-19 is explored in this article, shedding light on the impact of the pandemic on the beloved game show
Vanna White. CBS
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak commenced the show's annual Teacher's Week episodes in the absence of his longtime cohost, Vanna White. Making a solemn announcement during the Monday, October 2, episode, Sajak, 76, revealed that Ms. White had tested positive for COVID. Despite this setback, Sajak reassured viewers that White was feeling fine, with minor symptoms like a sniffle. However, she would be unable to join them for the duration of the week as per the necessary precautions.
As part of the Teacher's Week celebration, Sajak revealed that Bridgette Donald-Blue, the 2023 California Teach of the Year, would be replacing White as the puzzle board host for the rest of the week. Despite the episodes airing until October 6th, it was later revealed that White, aged 66, had contracted COVID-19 while filming and would be absent from the episodes which were actually recorded in July.
White has missed tapings on four occasions since assuming the role of cohost from Susan Stafford in 1982. After the passing of White's boyfriend, John Gibson, Stafford filled in for her in 1986. Tricia Gist temporarily took on White's responsibilities twice, first during her two-week honeymoon with ex-husband George Santo Pietro in 1991, and then when White fell ill the following year.
Reports indicate that earlier this year, White was in negotiations for a higher salary after hearing about Sajak's retirement from Wheel of Fortune. Allegedly, White has not received a raise in the last 18 years.
Sajak made the announcement in June that he will be resigning from his role as the host of the game show after the completion of season 41. "I have had an amazing journey, and I will share more details in the upcoming months. I sincerely appreciate all of you," he expressed in a statement during that period.
CBS
White responded to the news on X (previously known as Twitter) shortly after. He expressed his delight in having shared the stage with Sajak for all these years and looked forward to one more. White raised a toast to Sajak, saying, "@patsajak, cheers to you!"
In a press release statement in June, Ryan Seacrest expressed his genuine humility in assuming the hosting responsibilities from Sajak next year.
“I, along with all of America, consider it a privilege to have witnessed Pat and Vanna grace our television screens for an impressive 40 years. They have consistently brought us joy and made us feel right at home. Pat, your unwavering support and ability to put contestants and viewers at ease is truly admirable. I am excited to absorb as much as I can from you during this transition,” expressed Seacrest, 48.
In response, Sajak sent his well wishes to Seacrest by way of X, sharing in a now-deleted tweet, “I am eagerly anticipating my final season beginning this autumn. After which, I will hand over the reigns to Ryan Seacrest in September 2024."
Last month, White signed a two-year contract extension to remain on the series through Summer 2026.
