Frank Fritz, a familiar face on television, has had his fair share of ups and downs in his personal life. One significant chapter was his relationship with Diann Bankson, which left a lasting impact on both of them, despite its eventual end.
In 2014, Frank and Diann crossed paths during a tumultuous period in their lives. They began dating discreetly and eventually moved in together a year later. However, as Frank’s divorce proceedings took a toll on him, their relationship started to change. In 2017, they got engaged and decided to make an Iowa farmhouse their new home.
During this time, Frank faced a series of challenges, including struggling with alcoholism, unemployment, and various health issues. These difficulties not only affected him but also strained his relationship with Diann. Despite the hardships, their time together left a lasting impression on both of them.
In November of a particular year, their relationship took a turn when Bankson claimed to have found Frank in bed with another woman. This betrayal led Frank to get a tattoo that read, “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” serving as a constant reminder of his actions.
The end of their relationship took a toll on Frank emotionally and financially. To cope with the heartbreak, he turned to heavy drinking, which resulted in significant weight loss over time. Even though he claimed to have done everything in his power to make the relationship work, including lavish gestures and drowning his sorrows in alcohol, it wasn’t enough for Bankson, leading to pain and anguish for Frank.
On the other hand, Mike Wolfe, Frank’s co-star on the show American Pickers, also faced his own set of challenges. Dealing with the aftermath of a troubled marital history and a job loss, he decided to take a break from the dating scene. However, he expressed his desire to return to the show once he had fully recovered from his back surgery.
While Fritz spoke of a showrunner contacting him with promises of his return, the news reported otherwise. TMZ stated that “there are no plans” for Frank to come back as a host on American Pickers, despite his longstanding presence on the show.
Moving forward, Bankson found new love in Eric Longlett, an engineering administration supervisor. Sharing her excitement on social media, she wrote, “He took me to witness Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour – I’m a lucky girl. I love you, babe oxo.”
In a sudden turn of events, Frank Fritz suffered a stroke on July 4, 2022. He was found on the floor at his home by an associate who immediately dialed 911. While in the hospital, it became apparent that Fritz’s rehabilitation did not progress as well as expected, leading to the need for guardianship. Upon release, he was transferred to a nursing home.
To oversee Frank’s welfare and financial matters, his longtime friend was granted emergency guardianship and conservatorship on August 18, 2022. The friend, acting as the guardian, will manage daily payments for his care facility, health insurance, property taxes, and other ongoing charges. Transportation for attending activities and medical appointments will also be ensured.
As the guardian, significant decisions concerning Frank’s living arrangements, healthcare, activities, and communication with family members and potential partners will be made. The guardian will also be responsible for creating an annual report documenting their time caring for Frank.
The submitted paperwork painted a concerning picture of Frank’s health deteriorating rapidly. He was no longer able to make independent decisions and lacked effective communication skills. Additionally, financial decisions were beyond his capabilities, highlighting the severity of his condition.
It saddens us to learn of this tragic situation befalling someone as well-known as Mr. Fritz. We can only hope for his speedy recovery and return to a normal life.
Until Frank Fritz is able to receive treatment for his injuries and regain independence, the appointed guardian will make critical decisions regarding his healthcare and personal affairs. Though not easy, these decisions are necessary to ensure Frank’s safety and well-being.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frank Fritz during this challenging journey, and we wish him the very best in his recovery. We encourage everyone to share his story with their friends and family, allowing for much-needed support during this difficult time.
