Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” was born on this date in 1925. I owe the man so much. He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981. That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.

“I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall, and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.”

Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)

Sad to say that Wheel’s director, Bob Ennis, will be leaving the show after this season. Bob’s been with us since 1983 & has been our director since 2015. His calm, steady leadership is just what we needed. I wish him and his wife, Alex, many happy and healthy retirement years.

So sorry to learn that contestant co-producer Jackie Lamatis has left our show after more than 30 years. She’s a dear friend, and her work with our players was absolutely amazing. She will be sorely missed, but I know a lot of good things and happy times lie ahead.

🛺Pat Sajak and Vanna White love meeting their fans…even on vacation!

Your secret’s safe with me Vanna White🤫

Mark your calendars with a ⭐️! Pat, Vanna, and our star-studded guests will be returning for more #CelebrityWheelOfFortune Sept 25 on ABC.

Tonight’s show seemed familiar, too.

I swear I saw this show before.

Quick question on my two Emmy nominations in the same category: If I tie with myself, do I get to make two speeches?

Happy to see Wheel nominated for Outstanding Game Show!

Worst WOF category ever? No contest. Megaword. You heard right. Megaword. Don’t ask.

The moment Vanna went from letter-turner to letter-toucher!

Watch Wheel of Fortune nightly for more Wheel Memories presented by Prevagen!

Wheel Fun Fact: Even though Vanna started on the show a year after I did, she’s actually done more shows than I have. That’s because she worked for a couple of years with other hosts (Rolf Benirschke and Bob Goen) when I left the daytime show.

Wheel Fun Fact: Years ago, when we were on in daytime on NBC, we had DOC SEVERINSEN as a puzzle. (He was the bandleader when Johnny Carson hosted the Tonight Show.) Trouble is, we misspelled it as SEVERINSON and didn’t discover it until show aired. First and only time for that.