Viewers of popular US TV show Wheel of Fortune were touched last night as it was revealed long-term host Vanna White's cat Stella had sadly passed away.
The TV star made an emotional tribute to her favorite feline describing her as a ‘member of the family’.
The show helped White, 65, compile an affecting eulogy of photos and videos of Stella, which aired to viewers along with a musical soundtrack. White also shared a clip of the tribute on her Twitter account.
Vanna White’s cat Stella was a media star in her own right, often appearing on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. She even made an appearance on the Wheel of Fortune Puzzle Pop app, aimed at fans of the show.
White posted “My sweet Stella has gone to kitty heaven. I miss her so much and will cherish the special memories of the 16 years we had together.” She also revealed that the cherished kitty slept next to her every night.
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. pic.twitter.com/GF8f7vDeKyApril 26, 2022
In a 2009 interview with People magazine, White revealed that she’d always had cats growing up and couldn’t imagine life without them.
Of Stella coming into her life, she said: “My daughter and I just happened to be walking by the store, and stopped in to see the pets. Lo and behold, my daughter fell in love with Stella – and there was no going back!”
It’s a double blow for White, who has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1982, as she also lost her father, Herbert White Jr.,earlier this month at the age of 96.
The pair shared a special bond, as she revealed to fellow host Pat Sajak in a 2021 episode of the show: “He's 95 years old. I call him every morning to say good morning, and that I love him. He's special."
Stella was clearly a valued member of the family, with White posting pictures of her pet cuddling on the bed and posing in a suitcase.
Thousands of fans responded after the news broke, many of them sharing their own experiences of losing pets.
Tributes included, “I’m so sorry, Vanna. Losing our fur babies is heart breaking,” and “Our cat was with was for 17 years old when she passed and has been gone 15 + years and we will never forget her. Cats are special in every way!”
