Vanna White extends 'Wheel of Fortune' contract through 2025-26 season

Vanna White has officially extended her contract with 'Wheel of Fortune,' ensuring her continued role as the letter-turner on the popular game show through the 2025-26 season. This decision comes after reports emerged in June that the 66-year-old host was seeking a renegotiation of her contract. Vanna White has been a fixture on the show since its syndication debut in 1983, alongside her co-host Pat Sajak.

In a separate development, Pat Sajak announced in June that he would be leaving the show after its 41st season, scheduled to conclude next summer. Following his departure, it was revealed that Ryan Seacrest would step in as his replacement.

Since Vanna White's contract was set to expire alongside Sajak's departure, its extension means she will now work alongside Ryan Seacrest for at least two seasons. Ryan Seacrest, 48, has been diligently preparing for his new role, sharing that he's been practicing and rehearsing at home while also immersing himself in the intricacies of the game show.

Despite the changes, Vanna White's dedication to her role remains unwavering. In a 2019 interview with USA TODAY, she expressed her attachment to her position, humorously stating, "I can't imagine anybody else on my puzzle board. That's a scary thought. It's mine!"

It's worth noting that Vanna White had to take a brief break from her role in some new "Wheel of Fortune" episodes this fall. She was unable to attend a day of taping due to illness, and Bridgette Donald-Blue, one of the 2023 California Teachers of the Year, stepped in as her replacement for five episodes. This absence occurred during the taping of the show's annual "Teacher's Week," and rescheduling was not possible due to the participating teachers' schedules coinciding with the start of the school year.