Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White Gifted Ryan Seacrest a Thoughtful Present for His On-Air Looks: Inside Their Friendship

It seems hosting Wheel of Fortune is everything Ryan Seacrest dreamed it would be, thanks in large part to the legendary Vanna White! The on-air personality has consistently expressed his gratitude and joy about his role as the new host of the popular game show since he succeeded Pat Sajak in September, and recently opened up about a sweet gesture by his new costar, who signed a two-year contract extension after Sajak’s retirement announcement. 

Keep reading to find out what she gifted Seacrest and catch up on everything he’s said about his latest career venture! 

Vanna White’s thoughtful gift for Ryan Seacrest

In a recent interview with People just before ringing in the new year hosting the 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special, Seacrest looked back on the past year during which he took on a massive feat as host of Wheel of Fortune following Sajak’s retirement. 

While the show is entering a new era, an important familiar face remains. White, who has been synonymous with the series for decades, is still floating across the stage and turning letters donning her stunning dresses. What’s more—she’s been instrumental in ushering Seacrest into his new gig. 

“She’s so super generous and sweet and kind,” he said. 

“She even brought me—because I was saying, I drink very strong black coffee and my teeth, sometimes you can see it—she brought me white strips,” he continued. “She brought me white strips. She went to the store the next day. She brought me white strips.” 

Seacrest went on to describe White as “an institution, an icon,” and assured fans: “She’s amazing. She’s everything you think Vanna White will be when you meet her!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Seacrest (@ryanseacrest)

Everything Ryan Seacrest has said about hosting alongside Vanna White

This is hardly the first time Seacrest has raved about what he has referred to as “a dream job.”

He started his first opening monologue on the show by telling the audience: “I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you and of course, my good friend, Vanna White.”

“I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that Wheel has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years, and I’m just so grateful to be invited in,” he continued. “I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill, so let’s play Wheel of Fortune!”

“I can’t imagine Wheel of Fortune without Vanna White. It doesn’t seem right, especially if there’s going to be a new host,” he said just ahead of his debut. He also revealed he and White were having “a magical time together.” 

Before Seacrest entered the world of Wheel, he and White were already acquainted, he said, noting that the two have been friends for two decades. Still, he said they were able to get to know each other more deeply while filming together. 

When he officially signed on, Seacrest said he and White chatted over text, where he told her he was incredibly excited and hoped she’d be with the show for as long as she wants to be. 

How Seacrest prepared to take over for Sajak

While this was an undeniably enjoyable experience, Seacrest also admitted that being a new face of the show was a tall order even for someone with his broadcast tenure. While tending to his other media endeavors, he also made time to prepare and practice. 

“Since I got the job, I’ve studied the rule book, I’ve watched Pat’s episodes,” he shared. “I’ve rehearsed in conference rooms all over the country, depending on where I am doing work. We travel with a little wheel that we homemade to play, and I feel ready.”