Additional Coverage:
- ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant somehow solves puzzle without additional letters to win $45,000 (marketrealist.com)
Local Woman Wins Big on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ With Unbelievable Solve
A local “Wheel of Fortune” contestant, Donna Hall Nanney, stunned viewers and host Ryan Seacrest with an incredible bonus round win. After a tough competition against fellow contestants Smith and Dystiie, Hall Nanney secured her spot in the final round with a perfect Triple Toss Up sweep, amassing $14,200.
The real drama unfolded in the bonus round. Choosing “Phrase” as her category, Hall Nanney selected her daughter, Allison, to join her on stage for good luck.
After spinning the wheel and picking her Golden Envelope, she faced a four-word puzzle. With the standard letters already revealed, she chose F, H, M, and A as her additional letters—none of which appeared in the puzzle.
Facing a seemingly impossible board, Hall Nanney didn’t hesitate. As the timer started, she declared, “It just popped in my head,” and correctly solved the puzzle: “Words To Live By.”
The quick solve left Seacrest and Vanna White speechless. Hall Nanney’s incredible guess earned her an additional $45,000, bringing her total winnings to an impressive $59,200.
Social media erupted with reactions to Hall Nanney’s win. One YouTube commenter praised her amazing solve and heartwarming comment about her daughter being her good luck charm. Another commenter, who witnessed the win in person during the taping in April, admitted to still being stumped by the puzzle.