Vanna White’s Absence From ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Explained
The absence of the Wheel Of Fortune staple this week has been quite noticeable for many fans of the long-running game show.
If you missed Monday’s episode of Wheel Of Fortune, you just might be wondering where Vanna White is. There’s just something off about having anyone else turn over those letters. Her absence from the puzzle board is not something that fans are used to seeing. In fact, this is just the fourth time that Vanna has missed time on the show in 40 years.
Vanna’s first absence was in 1986, when her fiance John Gibson was tragically killed in a plane crash. She was given time away from the show to grieve her loss. Five years later, Vanna missed several episodes to enjoy her honeymoon with then-husband George Santo Pietro. Later that year, Vanna missed time due to a brief illness.
The Reason Behind Vanna White’s Absence
During Wheel of Fortune’s taping of “Teachers Week” in late July, White tested positive for COVID-19. Luckily for Vanna, she was only forced to sit out for a single day while recuperating. Due to Wheel Of Fortune’s schedule of taping five shows a day, that sick day corresponded for the entirety of “Teachers Week.”
During Monday’s episode of Wheel Of Fortune, host Pat Sajak offered a quick explanation of Vanna’s absence to viewers. “You’ll notice Vanna is not here, and I have to say that Ms. White has tested positive for COVID. That’s the bad news,” Sajak said. “The good news is I talked to her just a little while ago and she feels fine. She has a little sniffle. But she tested positive and that’s the way it goes, so she will not be with us here this week.”
This Teacher's Week, we're doing things a little different. pic.twitter.com/yHauV46dXd
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) October 2, 2023
As expected, fans of the show were thrown for a loop when tuning in. “Where is Vanna White??? Wheel Of Fortune isn’t the same without her,” wrote one fan on X.
Another X user echoed the same sentiment. “Wow, this is my first time seeing Pat Sajak without Vanna White. Get better soon Vanna,” they wrote.
A third user noted Vanna’s longtime presence as a prime-time TV staple. “Yes, it’s literally a shocker to not see #VannaWhite on #wheeloffortune! She’s a fixture on prime time TV! Get well soon Vanna!!”
Vanna White’s Replacement on Wheel Of Fortune
Attempting to stay in line with the “Teacher’s Week” of the show, Wheel Of Fortune producers selected Bridgette Donald-Blue to act as Vanna’s replacement for the week. Donald-Blue was the recipient of the 2023 California Teacher of the Year award.
CA Teacher of the Year Bridgette Donald-Blue from Coliseum Street Elementary School (@LASchools) is substituting for Vanna White this week on @WheelofFortune! It's Teacher's Week for the show.
Hear her speak about the honor on @GMA: https://t.co/DFVcaA0SPI
— CA Department of Education (@CADeptEd) October 4, 2023
Hailing from Coliseum Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, Donald-Blue spoke to GMA about her experience on Wheel Of Fortune. “When I got the call to be a part of Wheel Of Fortune for “Teacher’s Week” I was tremendously excited. It was a great opportunity to champion the cause of education… the work that teachers do. Wheel Of Fortune, you’re the best. Thank you,” she said.
What was your initial reaction to Vanna’s absence? Do you think Bridgette Donald-Blue is doing a good job as her temporary replacement? Let us know what your thoughts down below in the comments section.
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Get well soon, Vanna.
Watched the show Monday, but once I saw he was a “man-woman” that replaced Vanna I will not watch again. Not until Vanna is back anyway. If that is the best they could come up with to replace her, we as “NORMAL” people of America have lost the war of normal. Still in shock!