However, Pat Sajak was ultimately given the hosting role following Woolery's departure in 1981 over a contract dispute. Woolery later acknowledged that he would have been earning a higher salary if he hadn’t left the game show, as reported by Parade.

Chuck Woolery, the game show veteran who was the original host of "Wheel of Fortune" and went on to host "Love Connection," has died at 83.

The contestants for the Holiday special are Chance the Rapper (who is playing for SocialWorks), legendary singer Dionne Warwick (playing for North Jersey Community Research Initiative), and Lil Jon (playing for Open Paths Counseling Center). Sajak and the iconic White will serve as co-hosts.