Was Frank Fritz Married? A Closer Look at His Relationship History

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Written By Kanisha Laing

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Frank Fritz, best known for his work on American Pickers, was a beloved figure on the show for many years. Unlike his co-star Mike Wolfe, Frank remained more private, especially when it came to social media and public appearances. His sudden passing on September 30, 2024, shocked his fans, many of whom were left with lingering questions about his personal life. Specifically, fans have often wondered, “Was Frank Fritz married?”

In this article, we’ll explore Frank Fritz’s personal life, his relationships, and whether there is any truth to the rumors that he was married before his passing.

Frank Fritz’s Low-Profile Life and Relationships

Unlike many celebrities, Frank Fritz wasn’t one to share much of his personal life with the public. After 2018, his social media presence dwindled, and he made many of his accounts private. Frank’s life became even more secluded following a serious health setback—a stroke he suffered in 2022—which eventually contributed to his death in 2024. However, despite this, fans always remained curious about his romantic life.

Frank was never married, despite widespread speculation and rumors to the contrary. Although Frank never tied the knot, he was in a significant relationship for many years with a woman named Diann Bankson. The two had an on-again, off-again relationship, and fans thought for a time that their relationship might lead to marriage.

The Relationship Between Frank Fritz and Diann Bankson

One of Frank Fritz’s longest and most public relationships was with Diann Bankson, a woman who he had been romantically involved with for several years. Their relationship was first made public around 2016 when Frank shared a photo of Diann, her daughter Paige, and her granddaughter Eulalia on Facebook. He affectionately referred to Eulalia as his “granddaughter,” and fans immediately began to wonder if Frank had secretly gotten married.

However, Frank was quick to clarify that he had not married Diann but loved her family as if it were his own. He delighted in being “Grandpa Frank,” even if the title wasn’t official.

Unfortunately, their relationship began to fall apart, and in an interview with The Sun in 2021, Frank revealed that his relationship with Diann had ended in heartbreak. He admitted that he thought they were on the path to marriage, even going as far as buying a new house in anticipation of settling down. But while Frank was away filming American Pickers, he discovered that Diann had been seeing someone else.

Heartbreak and Recovery

In the candid interview, Frank opened up about how deeply the breakup had affected him. He said, “It hurt my feelings, my self-esteem, and my whole world.” Frank even admitted to using alcohol as a way to cope with the pain. He went on to explain that he had never been much of a drinker before the breakup, but the emotional toll led him to seek comfort in alcohol.

Diann, however, refuted Frank’s version of events. She insisted that the breakup wasn’t entirely her fault and that Frank was exaggerating. Diann explained that she had moved on from the relationship and was focused on healing from the emotional chaos it had caused in her life.

Their relationship, filled with ups and downs, seemed to come to a definitive end around 2019. Despite hopes for reconciliation, the two went their separate ways, each citing different reasons for the breakup.

Legal Battles and Infidelity Allegations

Their tumultuous relationship wasn’t without controversy. At one point, Diann even filed a lawsuit against Frank, accusing him of negligence related to a fireworks incident that caused her severe burns. In 2021, she filed a lawsuit for $50,000 in damages after claiming that Frank and a friend had mishandled fireworks, leading to her suffering third-degree burns on her hand and arm.

According to Diann, the incident occurred when Frank and his friend tried to light a firework, but when it failed to ignite, they left it in an ashtray, unaware it could still be dangerous. When Diann later went to use the ashtray while smoking, it exploded, causing significant injury.

Frank denied these allegations, and the lawsuit was eventually dropped just two months after it was filed. Despite the legal battles and mutual accusations of infidelity, Frank and Diann’s relationship remained a major talking point for fans, especially after their publicized breakup.

Frank’s Final Years: Health Struggles and Departure from American Pickers

Frank’s health issues were well-known to his fans, particularly his battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that affected his ability to participate fully in American Pickers. After undergoing back surgery in 2019, Frank’s appearances on the show became more sporadic, and by 2020, he had officially left the series. This departure fueled rumors that his relationship with co-star Mike Wolfe had soured, but Mike later clarified that there was no ill will between the two.

After suffering a stroke in 2022, Frank’s health took a turn for the worse. He was hospitalized, and many fans and friends, including Mike Wolfe, shared their thoughts and prayers for his recovery. Unfortunately, Frank never fully regained his health and passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60.

Frank Fritz’s Legacy: More Than Just an Antiques Dealer

Though Frank Fritz may not have been married, his life was full of interesting and complex relationships, both personal and professional. He was beloved by fans not only for his role in American Pickers but also for his authenticity, humor, and passion for antiques. Frank’s story serves as a reminder that fame doesn’t always equal happiness, and his struggles with relationships, health, and heartbreak were a testament to his resilience.

Frank may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his work on American Pickers and the memories he left with fans, friends, and loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was Frank Fritz ever married?
No, Frank Fritz was never married, although he was in a long-term relationship with Diann Bankson for several years.

2. Who was Frank Fritz’s girlfriend?
Frank Fritz’s most well-known girlfriend was Diann Bankson, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship for several years.

3. Why did Frank Fritz leave American Pickers?
Frank left American Pickers due to health issues, including a back surgery in 2019 and complications related to his battle with Crohn’s disease.

4. Did Frank Fritz have children?
No, Frank did not have biological children, but he referred to Diann Bankson’s granddaughter as his “granddaughter” during their relationship.

5. What happened to Frank Fritz in 2022?
Frank suffered a stroke in 2022, which ultimately contributed to his declining health and his death in September 2024.

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