“Wheel of Fortune” Hosts Help Make Surprise Proposal During 50th Anniversary Celebration
During the 50th anniversary celebration of the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune,” hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White played a special role in making one contestant’s night unforgettable. In a heartwarming moment, Seacrest announced that they had assisted Robin in proposing to Rhea Mathew, a former contestant who competed in October 2023.
Creating a Surprise Proposal
Seacrest shared the exciting news in a clip uploaded on YouTube, stating, “We’re celebrating milestones in honor of our 50th anniversary and actually had one happen earlier in the week right here on the set.” Vanna White added, “Robin, the boyfriend of former contestant Rhea, reached out for our help in asking her a big question.” She explained that with the help of announcer Jim Thornton, they were able to create a ruse, making Rhea believe she was back on the show to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The Proposal Unfolds
In the clip, Rhea solved the “Will You Marry Me?” puzzle, to which announcer Jim Thornton congratulated her. As Rhea basked in her achievement, Robin walked on stage, got down on one knee, and asked the magical question, “Rhea Susan Mathew, will you marry me?” The former contestant, visibly shocked, nodded in agreement, and the audience erupted in applause.
Heartwarming Reactions
After the proposal, the video cut to White and Seacrest, who shared their thoughts on the surprise. “I think she was really surprised,” Ryan said. White added, “Yes, that was so heartwarming.” Seacrest expressed his delight at being able to create such special moments on the show, saying, “Very sweet. I love that we can do that on this show.” White added a touch of humor, joking, “You never know what’s going to happen around here.”
Sharing the Joy
The special moment was shared on “Wheel of Fortune’s” Instagram account, capturing the couple’s joy. The post was captioned, “Screaming, crying, losing our minds over this sweet Wheel proposal!” Rhea also commented on the post, expressing her gratitude for making her dream proposal a reality.
Rhea shared a picture from the proposal on her personal Instagram account, expressing her awe at Robin’s elaborate gesture. Former host Pat Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, also played a part in the surprise, interviewing Rhea before the proposal and capturing behind-the-scenes moments on her Instagram page.
A Magical Start to 2025
The surprise proposal on the set of “Wheel of Fortune” marked a magical start to the year 2025. The show’s 50th anniversary celebration not only honored its rich history but also created unforgettable moments for contestants and viewers alike.
