Vanna White claims the rumors about her “Wheel of Fortune” salary dispute were “blown out of proportion.”
White, 66, reportedly wanted a bump in cash once she signed on to stay as the game show’s iconic letter-turner alongside new host Ryan Seacrest.
“It was because people just have rumors,” she told People recently. “Everything is so blown out of proportion, not just with my stuff, with everybody’s stuff.”
The television personality said she’s “a strong person” and won’t be doing “anything I don’t want to do or that I don’t believe in.”
“My mother taught me that at a young age, and I’m sticking to my guns,” she said.
The details of her new contract have not been made public.
White made headlines earlier this year when longtime emcee Pat Sajak announced that he would be leaving the trivia show.
Many fans urged the series to promote White as the new host and there were reports of contract negotiations behind the scenes.
She’s since signed on for two more years through the 2026 season. According to TMZ, White got a “substantial pay increase” with her deal.
Seacrest’s addition was announced in June and Sajak is set to finish out this season as host.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak, 76, penned on social media earlier this summer. He will officially depart next year once the season is complete.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)” he wrote.
Sajak has hosted “Wheel” since 1981, while White joined the show the following year.
As for the former “American Idol” host, 48, he’s excited to work with the South Carolina native.
“This is such great news,” Seacrest said of White’s renewal to Willie Geist on a “Sunday Today” episode, which aired last month.
“Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I have been very excited to work with her, but now that it’s official I can say, ‘Congratulations Vanna! I can’t wait.’”
“She’s beloved by this country and by the viewers and I can’t even imagine standing next to her on that set being able to say, ‘Okay, let’s get to it.’ It’s great news,” he continued. “I’m very, very happy to hear it and very happy I’ll be able to work with her.”
