Long-time host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Vanna White has reported her father Herbert White Jr., has died at the age of 96.
White confirmed the sad news in a post online alongside a photo of herself with her father, a former real estate broker.
“It is with great sadness that I tell you my 96-year-old dad passed away peacefully this morning. He lived a full and happy life and will be remembered as one of the kindest and most wonderful human beings of North Myrtle Beach.”
She concludes her post by saying, “I love you so much dad. RIP.”
Many fans were quick to react and send their sympathies and condolences following the news. One fan wrote, “So sorry, Vanna. I’m sure you will miss him but God has a new angel and I’m sure he will watch guard over you.”
Another wrote, “Sending my deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. May your memories keep him close in your hearts.”
The 65-year-old from South Carolina, who has hosted Wheel of Fortune with Pat Sajak since 1982, mentioned her father when Sajak asked how he was doing. She responded, “He’s great… I call him every morning to say ‘good morning’ and that I love him.” She added that, “He’s special.”
Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, also reacted to the news, writing, “I am so very sorry for your loss. My whole family is thinking of you.”
White also shared a pic of her dad on a previous Father’s Days writing, “Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads in the world, especially mine! I love you dad,” she wrote about her father, then-94-years-old.
White was raised near North Myrtle Beach in Horry County. Her parents divorced when she was an infant and she was raised by her mother, Joan, and stepfather, Herbert White Jr.
She moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after she graduated from High School where she attended The Atlanta School of Fashion and Design before moving to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue an acting career.
My heart goes out to White and her family. May her sweet father rest in peace.
