Pat Sajak’s news of his retirement as famed host of “Wheel of Fortune” has spurred wonders about cohost Vanna White.
While there has been speculation about what the 66-year-old’s role would be when Sajak, 76, departs after this current season, she isn’t gone just yet.
However, she was absent this week from being the iconic letter-turner on the show.
But it was only due to her coming down with COVID.
On top of Monday’s episode, Sajak said, “You’ll notice Vanna is not here, and I have to say that Ms. White has tested positive for COVID.”
The emcee continued: “That’s the bad news. The good news is I talked to her just a little while ago and she feels fine.”
“She has a little sniffle. But she tested positive and that’s the way it goes, so she will not be with us here this week,” he added.
Bridgette Donald-Blue will be White’s replacement for the week of Oct. 2 to Oct. 6.
Blue is the 2023 California Teacher of the Year recipient and was honored with White’s job as the game show is celebrating Teacher’s Week.
White has only missed turning the brightly colored letters on the iconic ABC trivia series three times since she joined the program in 1982.
Sajak, who has been hosting “Wheel” since 1981, announced in June he would be retiring soon.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote at the time.
He continued: “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)” Ryan Seacrest was then announced as the new host days after Sajak’s exit news.
In September, White extended her contract to stay on “Wheel of Fortune” through the 2025-26 season, receiving a “significant salary increase.”
She reportedly “lawyered up” and asked for half of Sajak’s $15 million a year salary, according to TMZ.
