Life can take us on unexpected journeys. Even for a well-known television personality like Frank Fritz, personal challenges can be overwhelming. Today, we delve into the heartbreaking story of Frank Fritz and the struggles he has faced.
Unexpected Turns and Indelible Marks
Frank Fritz’s longtime partner was Diann Bankson. Their relationship took a tumultuous turn leading to divorce, alcoholism, unemployment, and even health concerns. Although they are no longer together, their time together has left an indelible mark on both of them.
Frank Fritz, the beloved host of “American Pickers,” first met Diann Bankson when he was 25 years old. They dated on and off before getting engaged in 2017. In 2018, they decided to purchase an Iowa farmhouse and moved in together the following year.
Their romance, however, came to an end in November of that year, when Bankson claimed to have “walked in” on Fritz and discovered him “in bed with another woman.” It was a devastating blow for Fritz.
A Wound That Runs Deep
In a heartfelt conversation, Fritz revealed the depth of his pain, explaining that Bankson’s betrayal hurt him deeply. Despite it all, he still desired to marry her. “I was going to marry. I bought a house and a large, expensive ring,” Fritz confessed. However, he learned that his fiancée had been seeing someone else for the past 2.5 years.
Fritz felt disillusioned and hurt. He proclaimed, “She is the cheater,” and revealed a tattoo he got as a reminder that read, “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” Bankson’s actions had not only caused emotional pain but had also impacted him financially.
Coping with Heartbreak
To cope with his broken heart, Fritz turned to drinking. It was his way of dealing with the pain of his breakup. Unfortunately, this led to weight loss and unhealthy habits. “I gave it my all,” Fritz admitted. “I attempted to drown her in alcohol.”
Because his previous relationship had already caused immense pain, Fritz decided to take a break from dating and also worked towards overcoming his drinking problem.
##Lost Opportunities
The heartbreak extended beyond Fritz’s personal life. He also lost his job as the host of “American Pickers” on the History Channel after March 2020 due to health issues. Despite this setback, Fritz shared his optimism about returning to the show once he fully recovered from his back surgery. He longed to be a part of the program again, expressing, “Now that I’ve fully recovered, I’m ready to return.”
While Fritz claimed that the show had not made a decision about his return, he received assurance from a showrunner that he would be brought back. However, according to TMZ, there are currently “no plans” for him to return as a host, leaving Fritz’s future on the show uncertain.
Moving Forward Amidst Challenges
As Fritz struggled with personal and professional setbacks, his ex-partner Bankson moved on and found a new love interest in Eric Longlett, an engineering administration manager. Despite the pain caused by the breakup, Fritz’s former lover celebrated her new relationship on social media.
Fate dealt another blow to Fritz when he suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital on July 4, 2022. Thankfully, his condition has been steadily improving, thanks to the care he has received. His father, Bill Fritz, expressed optimism about his son’s recovery.
Unfortunately, Fritz’s rehabilitation did not progress as doctors had hoped. After being discharged from the hospital, he was placed under guardianship and moved to a nursing home. This decision was made to ensure his well-being and continued care.
Guardianship and Moving Forward
An acquaintance of Fritz’s was appointed as his guardian, while a bank managed his finances as his conservator. The bank is responsible for covering his care facility expenses, health insurance, property taxes, and other necessary costs. Additionally, Fritz’s guardian must handle decisions related to his living situation, healthcare needs, and social interactions.
The court determined that Fritz requires a guardian to prevent immediate harm and protect his health in the future. As his journey to recovery continues, Fritz’s guardian and the healthcare team diligently ensure his well-being.
A Heartbreaking Story That Calls for Support
Frank Fritz’s journey has been filled with hardships, heartbreak, and unforeseen challenges. We send our best wishes and support for Frank Fritz’s health and recovery. Join us in spreading the word, so his friends and fans can learn about his struggles and offer their prayers for his well-being.
Please share this article with your friends and family, so they can understand what happened to their favorite TV show’s host and offer their support in this difficult time.
