Life can take us on unexpected journeys, and for well-known television personality Frank Fritz, it has been a challenging one. Today, we dive into his heartbreaking story and the obstacles he has faced. Despite the ups and downs, Frank’s resilience shines through, and we send our best wishes for his health and recovery.
Love and Loss
Frank’s longtime partner was Diann Bankson. Their relationship was a rollercoaster ride that ultimately ended in heartbreak. Frank met Diann when he was 25 years old, and after dating on and off, they got engaged in 2017. Their love led them to buy an Iowa farmhouse together and move in a year later. It seemed like a picture-perfect life was ahead of them.
However, their romance came crashing down when Bankson claimed to have discovered Frank with another woman. The betrayal left Frank devastated, but despite it all, he still wanted to marry her. He had bought a house and an expensive ring, fully committed to their future. Frank even got a tattoo that said, “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” as a reminder of the pain he had endured.
Rocked by Heartbreak
To cope with his broken heart, Frank turned to alcohol. It was his way of dealing with the pain and loss. The emotional toll took a toll on his physical well-being too. He lost a significant amount of weight during this difficult time. “I gave it my all,” Frank admitted. “I attempted to drown her in alcohol.” The end of his relationship with Bankson hit him hard, and he decided to take a break from dating to focus on healing and overcoming his drinking habits.
Loss of Job and New Beginnings
Alongside the emotional turmoil, Frank also faced a professional setback. He lost his job as the host of “American Pickers” on the History Channel after March 2020. While the official reason stated health problems as the cause, Frank expressed his desire to return to the show once he had fully recovered from back surgery. He believed that his journey to recovery would pave the way for his comeback.
Fritz claimed that there were discussions about his return to the show, and a showrunner had even contacted him with the promise of bringing him back. However, TMZ reported that there were “no plans” for Frank to return as a host, despite his decade-long involvement with the show.
Moving Forward and New Beginnings
As life moved on for Fritz, his ex-lover Diann Bankson found new love with an engineering administration manager named Eric Longlett. In a social media post, she expressed her joy and gratitude for being with him, sharing moments of their life together. It was another chapter in their separate journeys.
Amidst these changes, tragedy struck. On July 4, 2022, Frank Fritz suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, a friend discovered him and called for help. While his father, Bill Fritz, assured reporters that Frank was doing well and improving each day, his road to recovery faced challenges.
Following his discharge from the hospital, Fritz’s rehabilitation did not progress as expected. He was placed under guardianship and sent to a nursing home. A court-appointed “longtime friend” as his guardian, who would manage his finances, while the bank would act as his conservator. Their roles would include ensuring payment for his care facility, transportation to appointments and activities, and his overall well-being.
The court recognized Fritz’s deteriorating condition, determining that he needed a guardian to protect his health and prevent immediate harm. It was a difficult decision, but one made in his best interest.
A Heartbreaking Journey
Frank Fritz’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience. From the ups and downs of his personal life to the uncertainty of his professional career, he has faced numerous challenges. We send our best wishes for his health and recovery, hoping that he finds strength in the support of his friends, family, and fans.
Please share this story with your friends and family to spread awareness and keep Frank Fritz in your thoughts and prayers.
