Next 'Wheel of Fortune' host will be Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.

Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak recently announced the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.

It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

Seacrest said he was "truly humbled" to take up the mantle from Sajak: "I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with that," he wrote. 

"I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," Seacrest said.

Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, which features contestants guessing letters to try to fill out words and phrases to win money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show's first host when it debuted in 1975. Along with White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has been a television mainstay.  

"Wheel of Fortune" remains one of the most popular programs on network television, averaging millions of daily viewers and a maintaining a passionate fan base.

Ryan Seacrest's full statement announcing he'll host "Wheel of Fortune"

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with that. Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.

Many people probably don't know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called 'Click' for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full cirlce moment for me and I'm grateful to Sony for the opportunity. 

I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."

Megan Divers and the Associated Press contributed to this report.