My guess is that once Pat decided he was ready to hang it up, Vanna realized that she wasn't.
Anyone who's been around enough retired/soon-to-be retired people knows that as much as they complain about the gig, most of them end up missing the routine and structure it gives to their day. Add to the fact that Wheel is such a cushy, feel-good gig, and it makes sense why sticking to that "retirement pact" would be tough for anybody.
You know, I'm still not so sure...it was still pretty surprising to me that the show wouldn't take the advantage to have Maggie turn letters for her father and turn it into some publicity. Not that the fact that Vanna was absent wasn't publicity enough. It still felt like a stinging indictment.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been against Maggie's semi-appointment. Not because she can't be good, but because it's so brazen, and it wouldn't surprise me if her father's consultant role is just a means for him to oversee and guarantee her place in a post-Pat Wheel. Considering his successor is likely the most qualified emcee we've seen in years and doesn't need much tutelage, I really don't know what else Pat is supposed to do.
If Maggie doesn't get announced a year in advance like Ryan, it'll be interesting to watch the 2025-26 season play out, since Pat won't be in the background anymore.