Pat Sajak Makes Rare Public Appearance After “Wheel of Fortune” Retirement to Honor Air Supply at Walk of Fame Ceremony

Ingrid VasquezFri, October 9, 2026 at 12:19 AM UTC

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Pat Sajak, honorees Graham Russell, Russell Hitchcock and David Foster attend the Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star ceremony honoring Air Supply on October 08, 2026 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Robin L Marshall/GettySajak said it was “especially exciting” to speak at the event as he and his wife, Lesly Brown, are good friends with the musicians -

Pat Sajak praised Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock for entertaining sold-out crowds worldwide for more than 50 years at their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 8

The former host, who is now retired, said he and his wife, Lesly Brown, are longtime friends of the Air Supply musicians

Sajak left Wheel of Fortune in 2024 after 41 seasons and will serve as a consultant for three years

Pat Sajak took some time out of retirement to honor his good friends.

The former Wheel of Fortunehost, 79, spoke at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 8, honoring Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock.

During his speech, Sajak said it was “especially exciting” to speak at the event because he and his wife, Lesly Brown, are good friends with the musicians.

“I do know a little bit about longevity,” said Sajak. “As was pointed out, I did my little show for over 40 years, and 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.”

“And it’s because they still do it at such a very high level,” he continued. “They never phone in their performance. They never try to live off their reputation. They go all out each and every time they step on the stage, and they never disappoint.”

Sajak said Air Supply’s music has served as the soundtrack to fans’ “important moments,” like first dances and first dates.

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(L-R) Pat Sajak, honorees Graham Russell, Russell Hitchcock and David Foster attend the Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star ceremony honoring Air Supply on October 08, 2026 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Robin L Marshall/Getty

In addition to speaking at the event, he took photos with the musicians when they got their star. David Foster was also a speaker.

Sajak’s last episode at the helm of Wheel of Fortune aired in June 2024, one year after the television personality announced he would be stepping away from the show. He first began hosting the longtime game show in 1981.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he said on X at the time. “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!)”

Pat Sajak at the ceremony honoring Air Supply with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Suzanne Prete, EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time that Sajak would serve as a consultant on the series for the next three years.

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“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” said Prete. “We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!”

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”