As Pat Sajak prepares to bid farewell to Wheel of Fortune after an extraordinary 41-year run, the iconic host is opening up about his future and sharing his hopes for the years ahead. His retirement, which will be marked by his final episode airing in just a few days, has sparked widespread speculation not only about his career, but also about his personal life and what he plans to do with his time away from the spotlight. And in a candid interview segment with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, Pat revealed a surprising and heartfelt wish for his future—one that involves the pitter-patter of grandchildren’s feet.

Pat Sajak’s Big Request: Grandkids in the Near Future

Pat Sajak, who has been a fixture in American households for decades, is about to step away from the beloved game show that has made him a household name. Fans have expressed a mix of emotions, from sadness about his departure to curiosity about the next steps in his life. One topic that has intrigued fans just as much as his exit from Wheel of Fortune is his personal life, especially when it comes to his daughter, Maggie Sajak.

In a special segment filmed as part of his final episodes, Maggie interviewed her father about his illustrious career and the legacy of Wheel of Fortune. The conversation, which aired as part of a series of reflective moments leading up to Sajak’s retirement, revealed a surprising, and perhaps unexpected, wish. Pat, who has spent decades in the limelight, revealed that he’s now looking forward to a quieter chapter in his life—one that includes crossword puzzles and, most importantly, grandchildren.

“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint Hint Hint. No pressure,” Pat said with a laugh, clearly hoping to plant the idea in Maggie’s mind.

The comment was lighthearted, yet heartfelt, as Sajak made it clear that spending time with family in his retirement is a top priority. He further expressed his excitement for the future, stating, “It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”

This comment, while amusing, also caught the attention of fans who have been curious about the Sajak family dynamic, particularly Pat’s relationship with his daughter, Maggie. Maggie, who has worked as a correspondent and social media correspondent for Wheel of Fortune, has occasionally made appearances on the show and is no stranger to the public eye. However, Pat’s request for grandchildren may come as a surprise to some, as Maggie has not publicly spoken about starting her own family.

Maggie Sajak’s Romance with Ross McCall

Interestingly, Pat’s remarks about grandchildren come shortly after his daughter, Maggie, was spotted getting cozy with actor Ross McCall. The two were seen in March 2025 sharing a kiss during a stroll in Los Angeles, which sparked speculation about their relationship. Maggie, 29, and McCall, 48, have reportedly been seeing each other, although their relationship was only confirmed after the public sighting.

McCall, known for his role on the TV series White Collar, has had a colorful love life, including previous engagements to actress Jennifer Love Hewitt in 2007 and Italian actress Alessandra Mastronardi in 2021. It remains unclear how long Maggie and McCall have been dating, but the public outing has undoubtedly made fans curious about the blossoming romance.

While Maggie has kept her personal life relatively private, the public acknowledgment of her relationship with McCall only adds to the speculation that she may be moving toward a new chapter in her life—one that may eventually involve starting her own family, something her father seems eager for.

Pat Sajak’s Legacy: A Career Built on Longevity

As Pat prepares to step down from Wheel of Fortune, it’s important to reflect on the remarkable career that has made him an iconic figure in American television. Sajak’s career began in 1981, and over the course of his 41 seasons, he became the longest-running host in game show history. Along with Vanna White, Sajak transformed Wheel of Fortune into one of the most beloved and enduring programs in television history. His quick wit, engaging personality, and ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike made him an integral part of the show’s success.

But beyond his professional achievements, Pat Sajak has always been admired for his down-to-earth personality. Despite the fame and fortune that came with his career, Sajak managed to maintain a sense of humility and grace. His focus on family, especially his relationship with his daughter, Maggie, has often been highlighted by those close to him.

Now, as he prepares for retirement, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the Wheel of Fortune host. While Sajak has not disclosed the full details of his post-retirement plans, his recent comments about looking forward to spending more time with family, particularly with grandchildren, suggest that he’s ready for a quieter and more personal chapter in his life.

The Future of Wheel of Fortune and Maggie Sajak’s Role

With Pat Sajak’s departure, there’s been much speculation about who will take over the iconic role of host. Ryan Seacrest has been named as the new host, and while his appointment has been met with some skepticism by fans, it’s clear that the show is moving forward. Pat’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new opportunities for both Wheel of Fortune and its devoted fans.

As for Maggie Sajak, many have speculated whether she might one day step into her father’s shoes, either as a host or in some other capacity. While Maggie has not made any public indications about joining the show in a more prominent role, it’s clear that her association with Wheel of Fortune and her work behind the scenes have paved the way for a potential career in broadcasting. For now, her relationship with Ross McCall and her father’s comments about grandchildren seem to suggest that Maggie may have more personal priorities on her mind in the near future.

A New Chapter for the Sajak Family

Pat Sajak’s comments about grandchildren are a touching reminder of the value he places on family. After decades in the public eye, it’s clear that his focus is now on spending time with those he loves most. Whether or not Maggie chooses to start a family in the near future, the affection and hope that Pat expressed for his grandchildren suggest that he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life, filled with the joys of family.

Fans of Pat and Maggie will no doubt continue to follow their journeys closely as they move forward into new phases of life. For Pat, retirement may offer the chance to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures, like crossword puzzles and spending time with his loved ones. As for Maggie, her blossoming relationship and her father’s heartfelt request for grandchildren have given fans a lot to think about in terms of what the future may hold for her.

Pat Sajak’s legacy as the face of Wheel of Fortune is undoubtedly secure, but his retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter. One that is filled with family, quiet moments, and perhaps, the pitter-patter of grandchildren’s feet.