Retired 'Wheel of Fortune' Host Pat Sajak Steps Out for Air Supply and Reflects on Longevity

Over two years after leaving "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak appeared at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, where he offered advice on longevity and joked about a tattoo he decided not to get.

In a rare public appearance more than two years after saying goodbye to “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak shared a bit of his wisdom, attending Air Supply’s recognition ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The former "Wheel of Fortune" host, 79, spoke about longevity as he honored his good friends, Air Supply members Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock on October 8.

"I do know a little bit about longevity," he said, citing his over-40-year hosting stint on the popular game show. “I understand the challenge of trying not to wear out your welcome. But Graham and Russell have been at this for over 50 years, and they continue to entertain their fans and be welcomed by sold-out crowds all around the world."

Sajak joked tht he planned to get a tattoo of the band’s logo on his chest. "But then I thought it might detract from my nipple ring, so I decided not to do that," he quipped.

He ended on a warmer note, saying it has been a privilege to share so many wonderful moments with the band's fans and that he looks forward to many more.

Sajak has been keeping a low profile since retiring from “Wheel of Fortune” in June 2024. He began hosting the game show in 1981 and had appeared in more than 8,000 episodes over 41 seasons, with co-host Vanna White, by the time he left. After stepping down, Ryan Seacrest took over as host.

Sajak’s departure didn’t happen overnight. In June 2023, he had already announced that the next season would be his last. In an interview with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, he said this gave him enough time to get used to the idea of leaving. He also spoke about enjoying his final week on the show and reflected on the show’s great run.

"Somewhere along the line, we became more than a popular show,” he said. “We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people's lives. And, that's been awfully gratifying."

On the day of his last episode, Sajak posted on Instagram that fans should tune in one more time. He wrote, “This cowboy is gearing up to ride off into the sunset and added a joke of his own, "I'm not crying, you're crying!"

Though he mostly stayed out of the spotlight after that, he shared a video update on X in June, saying he was enjoying life. In the clip, he was standing beside a pool overlooking the ocean, and even joked that he had moved to Montana and had cattle to attend to.