Sometimes life takes us on unexpected journeys. Frank Fritz, a beloved TV personality, faced immense personal struggles behind the scenes.
This is his touching story…
Frank Fritz’s life took a downturn after a difficult breakup with his longtime partner, Diann Bankson. Their split triggered a series of problems for Fritz, including alcoholism, unemployment, and health issues. Though they have since gone their separate ways, their time together left lasting scars.
Frank Fritz, known from “American Pickers,” was 25 when he met Diann Bankson. They dated intermittently and got engaged in 2017. The following year, they bought a farmhouse in Iowa and moved in together. However, their relationship soured in November 2018 when Bankson alleged she caught Fritz with another woman.
Fritz countered by claiming Bankson had cheated on him and even got a tattoo symbolizing her betrayal. Despite this, he still wished to marry her. “I was ready to get married, bought a house, and an expensive ring, only to find out my fiancée had been seeing someone else for two and a half years,” Fritz shared. “She’s the cheater, which is why I got a tattoo saying, ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater.’ It’s a reminder not to repeat the same mistake,” he explained, adding that Bankson’s actions had cost him a lot.
Heartbroken, Fritz turned to alcohol, leading to significant weight loss. “I tried to drink my pain away,” he admitted. Eventually, he overcame his drinking problem but decided to remain single for a while, still hurt from his last relationship with Bankson.
Professionally, Fritz faced setbacks as well. According to The Sun, he stopped appearing on the History Channel’s “American Pickers” after March 2020. He attributed his absence to health issues and back surgery, expressing his desire to return to the show once fully recovered. “I’m 100 percent better now and ready to come back,” he said. However, despite a showrunner’s promise, TMZ reported that the show had no plans to reinstate Fritz as a host, despite his decade-long tenure.
Adding to his woes, Bankson introduced her new partner, Eric Longlett, on social media, expressing her happiness with him. She shared moments of their time together, including attending an Elton John concert, captioning, “I’m a lucky girl. Love you, Babe.”
On July 4, 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke. A friend found him on the floor and called for help. The US Sun obtained the 911 call, in which his friend said, “He might be having a seizure, I’m not sure.” Fritz’s father, Bill Fritz, later reported that his son was improving daily.
However, Fritz’s recovery was slow, and he was transferred to a nursing facility under guardianship. On August 18, 2022, a friend filed for temporary guardianship and conservatorship for Fritz, which was approved. His friend became his guardian, and a bank was assigned as his conservator to manage his finances.
As a conservator, the bank handled payments for Fritz’s care facility, daily expenses, health insurance, property repairs, and taxes. They also ensured Fritz had transportation for activities and medical appointments. The guardian, responsible for Fritz’s well-being, had to file an initial care plan, covering his living arrangements, health needs, participation in activities, and maintaining contact with loved ones.
Court documents revealed that Fritz’s condition was deteriorating, affecting his ability to make sound decisions. The court deemed a guardian essential to prevent further harm, stating, “Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”
Frank Fritz’s story is heart-wrenching. We wish him the best in health and healing.
Share this with your friends and family to inform them about what happened to their favorite TV host and to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
