“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together,” said Vanna, 67. “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try. Eight thousand episodes went by like that.”
The duo has been hosting America’s Game since 1982 when the show first aired in syndication. Throughout the years, they became one of television’s most iconic duos, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers.
“As the years have gone by, we’ve grown up on television, but we’ve also shared so much more behind the scenes,” reminisced Vanna, reflecting on the personal memories they’ve shared. “What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you.”
With tears welling in her eyes, Vanna held back her emotions and continued, “You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend, who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”
After the segment, Pat and Vanna embraced in a heartfelt hug on stage, symbolizing the bond they have built over the years.
Throughout their partnership, Pat led the contestants through the game, while Vanna became famous for gracefully turning the letters on the puzzle board. Together, they have appeared in over 8,000 episodes, creating countless unforgettable moments for fans around the world.
This Caribbean Island Is Back From the Brink—and Ready To Share Its Treasures With the World
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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
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