The Real Reason Vanna White Shed Tears During Wheel Of Fortune

Vanna White is a game show icon. Per Biography, she has been co-hosting "Wheel of Fortune" since 1982. Generations of viewers have watched the ever-glamorous White reveal letters on the board and will do so until at least 2024, as White's contract was renewed through the 2023-2024 season last year (via Deadline).

White is a fan favorite, and many people tune in just to see what gorgeous outfit she will wear on the show — per its website, she's modeled more than 7,000 stunning creations on "Wheel of Fortune" over the decades. While she's always professional on the game show, we do get glimpses into her personal life. For example, she told Dear Doctor that her co-host Pat Sajak can tell when she's wearing a gown that she's not that into, saying, "Pat has told me, 'I can just see that smile is not quite as big as it usually is' so he knows and can tell when I'm thinking 'I wish I wasn't wearing this dress!'"

She also got emotional on a recent episode of the long-running show, even shedding some tears.

Vanna White's beloved cat died

Vanna White teared up on the episode of "Wheel of Fortune" that aired on April 25. Her tears had nothing to do with the taping, though. She explained that she was going through a tough time as Stella, her 16-year-old cat, had recently died. "She was such a big member of our family, and she's going to be missed so much ... love her to death," she said.

White posted the clip from the show — which included a video montage of Stella — on Twitter. "My sweet Stella has gone to kitty heaven. I miss her so much. Here are some special memories of the 16 years we had together," she wrote in the caption.

Sajak expressed his condolences, thanking White for sharing stories of her cat over the years, although he admitted to sometimes teasing his co-host about her feline friend. That's on par for their relationship, though, as the two have quite a close friendship. "We are like brother and sister and I think that is what makes it work," White once told Closer Weekly.