Frank Fritz, the beloved co-star of American Pickers, has had a life full of both highs and lows. While his professional journey on the show brought him into the homes of millions of viewers, his personal life remained relatively private. Fans have always been curious about his relationships, and rumors about his romantic life have swirled for years. One persistent question has lingered: Did Frank Fritz have a wife?
Frank Fritz’s Relationship History: The Truth Behind the Rumors
Frank Fritz’s personal life has been something of a mystery, largely because he stayed away from social media and rarely shared details about his relationships. While his co-star Mike Wolfe often shared updates with fans, Frank kept a low profile. In 2021, fans began to speculate that Frank had finally settled down and tied the knot. The rumor mill churned after Frank was seen in photos with a woman named Diann.
Diann was someone Frank had been dating for a few years. On his now-private Facebook page, he shared occasional photos of her and even referred to her family as his own. In December 2016, Frank posted a picture of Diann, her daughter Paige, and Paige’s daughter Eulalia. The image caused quite a stir, as Frank referred to the young girl as his “granddaughter,” making many believe that he and Diann had tied the knot in secret.
However, Frank was quick to clarify that he hadn’t married Diann. In an interview, he stated, “Diann’s family is my family. It is great being Grandpa Frank! I love my girls.” Despite the closeness he felt to Diann’s family, the relationship did not lead to marriage.
The End of Frank and Diann’s Relationship
By 2021, Frank’s relationship with Diann had deteriorated. In an interview with The Sun, Frank shared the emotional pain he experienced during their breakup. He revealed that while he had thought they were heading toward marriage, he discovered that Diann had been seeing someone else while he was away filming American Pickers.
This revelation took a toll on Frank’s mental and emotional health. “It hurt my feelings, my self-esteem, and my whole world. I gave it a good shot, I tried to drink her away. I never drank that much before,” he admitted.
Diann, on the other hand, refuted Frank’s claims. She told The Sun that Frank’s version of events wasn’t true. She stated, “If he’s trying to make me look like the bad person, of course, I’m going to say it’s not true, because it’s not.” She went on to say that she was ready to move on and focus on healing, suggesting that the two officially parted ways in 2019.
Frank Fritz’s Health Struggles and Departure from American Pickers
Frank Fritz’s health struggles became a significant part of his life in the years following his split with Diann. His battle with Crohn’s disease had been ongoing for years, but his health took a further downturn in 2019 when he underwent back surgery. As a result, Frank had to step away from American Pickers, missing a large number of episodes.
In July 2022, Frank suffered a stroke, further complicating his health journey. Despite his ongoing medical issues, Frank remained hopeful. He shared his gratitude for the support from fans, even though he was no longer on the show.
His former co-star, Mike Wolfe, expressed his concern for Frank when the news of the stroke broke. Mike took to Instagram to ask fans to send their thoughts and prayers for Frank’s recovery, showcasing the deep bond they once shared.
Frank Fritz’s Road to Sobriety
Frank’s personal life and health challenges weren’t his only battles. He also struggled with alcohol addiction, a problem that worsened after his breakup with Diann. In 2020, Frank made the decision to enter rehab, spending 77 days in treatment. He emerged from the experience sober, healthier, and committed to making a change.
He lost 65 pounds, embraced a healthier lifestyle, and started attending meetings twice a week to maintain his sobriety. In interviews, Frank spoke candidly about his journey, saying, “I went to rehab, and I’ve been sober now for 11 months.” His commitment to his sobriety was unwavering, even though he experienced a brief relapse. Frank was open about the challenges of staying sober, but he was determined to stay on track.
The Legacy of Frank Fritz: A Life of Struggles and Triumphs
On September 30, 2024, Frank Fritz passed away, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions. Mike Wolfe announced Frank’s death with a heartfelt message, sharing the deep friendship they had. He wrote, “I’ve known Frank for more than half my life, and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen—a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.”
Though Frank’s journey was fraught with personal challenges—health struggles, addiction, and a painful breakup—his resilience and authenticity endeared him to fans. Even after his departure from American Pickers, Frank remained a beloved figure, admired for his honesty and vulnerability.
Conclusion: Did Frank Fritz Have a Wife?
Despite the rumors, Frank Fritz did not have a wife. While he had a long-term relationship with Diann, the two never married. Their relationship eventually ended, and Frank focused on his health, sobriety, and personal growth in the years that followed. Frank’s story is one of overcoming adversity, and though he is no longer with us, his memory continues to inspire his fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Frank Fritz ever get married?
No, Frank Fritz never got married. Although he had a long-term relationship with Diann, they did not tie the knot.
2. Who was Frank Fritz’s girlfriend?
Frank Fritz dated a woman named Diann for several years. Their relationship ended in 2019 after Frank discovered she was seeing someone else.
3. Did Frank Fritz have children?
No, Frank Fritz did not have any biological children. However, he referred to Diann’s granddaughter as his “granddaughter,” expressing a deep connection to her family.
4. What were Frank Fritz’s health issues?
Frank Fritz struggled with Crohn’s disease for many years. He also underwent back surgery in 2019 and suffered a stroke in 2022.
5. Why did Frank Fritz leave American Pickers?
Frank Fritz left American Pickers due to his health issues, including back surgery and a stroke. Additionally, he was fired from the show in 2020, though the reasons for his departure were not fully explained.