Frank Fritz is in the hospital.
And it sounds like he may be in serious trouble, as well.
According to Fritz’s American Pickers co-host, Mike Wolfe, Frank suffered a stroke this week, as confirmed by Wolfe in an Instagram post that opens as follows:
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on.”
Continued Wolfe in a caption that went alongside a photo of his pal and colleague:
“There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight.
“Now is the time to pray for my friend.
“Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
Fritz and Wolfe rose to fame cohosting American Pickers together for nearly a decade, traveling the nation in search of antique treasures.
Fritz, for his part, exited the docuseries last year after a public feud with Wolfe.
Last July, he told The Sun that he was no longer in contact with Wolfe, while a rep for The History Channel confirmed Fritz’s departure to People Magazine at the time.
“I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz told the outlet.
“He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.
Fritz later told The Sun that he had recently checked into rehab after struggling with alcohol addiction… and was later fired from American Pickers.
His final appearance came in March 2020 as he went on hiatus after undergoing back surgery before being let go.
After Fritz went public with this feud and left the show, Wolfe issued a statement that read:
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me.
“The journey that Frank, Dani (Danielle) and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.
“I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
At this point, meanwhile, all tension seems to have subsided from Wolfe’s point of view.
He’s simply concerned.
Ending with a sentimental message for Fritz on Thursday, Wolfe wrote:
“Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
