Life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, even for well-known television personalities like Frank Fritz. In this heartbreaking story, we follow Frank’s struggles and his journey towards recovery.
A Love Story That Ended in Heartbreak
Frank Fritz’s long-time partner was Diann Bankson. Their relationship faced many challenges, leading to a tumultuous divorce. This separation resulted in Frank’s battle with alcoholism, unemployment, and even a decline in his overall health. Although they are no longer together, the impact of their time together can still be felt.
Frank was only 25 years old when he first met Diann Bankson. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but they eventually got engaged in 2017. The couple even bought an Iowa farmhouse together in 2018 and moved in a year later.
However, their romance came to an abrupt end in November of that same year. Bankson claimed to have caught Frank in bed with another woman. This revelation was devastating for Frank, who had already planned to marry Bankson, investing in a house and an expensive engagement ring.
Frank shares his side of the story, revealing that Bankson’s betrayal hit him hard. In fact, he even got a tattoo with the phrase “Once a cheater, always a cheater” as a constant reminder to avoid making the same mistake again. The emotional toll of the situation, along with the financial impact, pushed Frank towards a dark path.
Coping with Heartbreak: A Battle with Alcohol
To heal his broken heart, Frank turned to alcohol as a temporary escape. This coping mechanism led to weight loss and a decline in his overall well-being. Frank admits he gave it his all, trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol. The pain of the past relationship was too much for him to bear.
Recognizing the destructive path he was on, Frank made the decision to put his dating life on hold and focus on tackling his alcohol addiction. This was a personal journey that needed his full attention if he was to recover and move forward.
Hitting Roadblocks: The Loss of a Job
Unfortunately, the troubles in Frank’s personal life trickled into his professional life as well. He lost his job as the host of “American Pickers” on the History Channel after March 2020. Reports indicate that his absence from the show was due to health problems and the need for back surgery. Frank expressed his desire to return once he had fully healed from the surgery.
Although Frank hoped to make a comeback, there were no concrete plans for his return as a host. The show had not made any official announcements regarding his future involvement. However, Frank mentioned that a showrunner had reached out to him, hinting at the possibility of his return.
Moving On: Life After the Show
In the aftermath of their breakup, Diann Bankson revealed her new partner, Eric Longlett, an engineering administration manager. She shared her happiness on social media, expressing her gratitude for being with him. The couple even attended Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour together, showcasing their shared experiences.
Frank’s journey took another unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke on July 4, 2022. A friend found him on the floor of his house and called for immediate medical assistance. While his father assured everyone that Frank was improving each day, his rehabilitation did not go as smoothly as hoped. He was placed under guardianship and sent to a nursing home after being discharged from the hospital.
A Lifeline in Guardianship
Rumors surrounding Frank’s situation suggested that a long-time friend stepped in as his guardian, with the bank taking charge of his finances as his conservator. This arrangement ensured that all necessary payments for his care, including daily expenses, health insurance, and property taxes, were handled appropriately. The bank also took responsibility for his transportation needs, such as attending appointments and activities.
The guardian was entrusted with making decisions about Frank’s living situation, healthcare needs, and encouraging his participation in various activities. Maintaining communication with his family and potential romantic interests also became a part of the guardian’s responsibilities.
A Hopeful Future
It was determined that Frank’s condition required a guardian to protect his health and ensure his overall well-being. The court recognized the need for immediate assistance and appointed a guardian and conservator to prevent any harm befalling him. Until he is well enough to take charge of his own affairs, his friend and the bank will continue to support his finances and decision-making.
We can’t help but feel the weight of Frank Fritz’s heartbreak and admire his courage in the face of adversity. Let’s join hands and send him our best wishes for a successful recovery. Share his story with your loved ones, so they too can learn about the challenges faced by their favorite TV show’s host and keep him in their prayers.
