We occasionally follow paths in life that we never would have imagined. Although Frank Fritz was a well-liked character on television, he was going through a lot in his personal life.
This is his tragic tale…
Longtime partner of Frank Fritz was Diann Bankson. His tumultuous split from her resulted in his drinking, unemployment, and even a medical emergency. Although the two are now permanently apart, their time spent together left a lasting impression on them both.]
At the age of 25, Frank Fritz, the host of “American Pickers,” first laid eyes on Diann Bankson. The pair intermittently dated before being engaged in 2017. They moved in together after purchasing an Iowa farmhouse a year later in 2018.
Their relationship, however, soured in November of that year when Bankson claimed to have “walked in” on Fritz and “caught him in bed with another woman.”
Fritz disclosed in an interview that Bankson had cheated on him and that he was even reminded of her “betrayal” by a tattoo. However, he declared his desire to wed her.
“I had planned to get married, had purchased a house and a very expensive ring, and was shocked to learn that my fiancée had been seeing someone else for the previous 2.5 years,” Fritz remarked.
Fritz stated, “She’s the cheater, which is why I got a tattoo saying ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater.’” He said that the tattoo was meant to act as a reminder to never do “the same mistake again.” And that Bankson had “cost” him a lot of money, he said.
He started drinking to heal his broken heart. That’s how he handled his heartbreak, he claimed. He lost a lot of weight as a result of this as well. “I gave it a good shot,” remarked Fritz. I made an attempt to drown her.
He overcame his drinking issue, but because the last relationship with Bankson had “stung hard enough,” he made the decision to put off dating for a while.
Following the split, he had losses in his career as well. The Sun claims that after March 2020, he stopped hosting History Channel’s “American Pickers.”
Fritz gave an explanation for his absence, saying that he intended to return to the show after the scar from his back surgery healed. “I would like to return to the show,” Fritz remarked. Now that I’m fully recovered, I’m prepared to resume my role on the show.
Fritz claimed there had been no definitive decision made by the show regarding his return. He said, though, that a showrunner had given him a call and assured him that he would return to the screen.
Despite Fritz having worked on the show for ten years, TMZ claims that the show has “no plans” to employ him as a host once more.
In addition to not returning to his show, Bankson’s ex-boyfriend Eric Longlett, an engineering administration manager, made his debut. She gushed about how fortunate she was to be with him in posts about him on social media.
“He took me to see Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour,” she captioned a photo of herself and Longlett together at the concert. I’m a fortunate woman. Love you, sweetie. oxo
Fritz was hospitalized on July 4, 2022, following a stroke. After finding him on his house floor, his companion had phoned for assistance. The 911 call in which his friend stated, “He might be seizuring, I’m not sure,” was obtained by The US Sun.
Bill Fritz, Fritz’s father, told the reporters that his son was healing nicely and getting better every day.
His recuperation was not as complete as the physicians had hoped, though. After being discharged from the hospital, he was placed under guardianship and sent to a nursing home.
On August 18, 2022, his “longtime friend” reportedly filed an emergency appointment for temporary guardianship and conservatorship on his behalf, which was subsequently approved.
The bank was designated as his conservator to manage his finances, and his friend was named as his guardian.
In its capacity as his conservator, the bank would manage all of his care facility bills, including daily costs, health insurance, maintenance, and property tax payments. The bank would have to make sure he could get to events and doctor’s visits in a suitable manner.
In addition to being “in decision-making since the stroke,” his friend’s guardianship required that he submit a “initial care plan” for the patient.
In order to achieve this, his guardian would have to make decisions about his living situation, place of residence at the time, health, and medical requirements. They would also need to arrange for him to participate in activities, maintain communication with him and his loved ones, and pursue romantic relationships. It would also be expected of him to provide an annual report as his guardian.
His health was getting worse, according to his papers, and it was making it more difficult for him to make wise decisions for himself, “without which physical injury or illness may occur.”
Documents revealed that he was unable to “make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs,” indicating that his condition was far worse than previously believed.
His guardian will have to make decisions on his behalf as he heals and is able to “receive treatment for his injuries.”
The court determined that Fritz needs a guardian in order to prevent additional harm to his health. The court decided that “appointing a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”
This story really breaks my heart. We send Frank Fritz our best wishes for wellness and recovery.
Tell your friends and relatives about this so they can pray for the well-being of their beloved TV show presenter and learn what happened to him.
When I Brought a New Woman to a Party After My Divorce, My Ex-wife Blurted, ‘You Idiot!’ & Burst into Laughter
Marcus thought he’d done everything right after deciding to divorce his wife, Izzy. But his new girlfriend’s presence at his daughter’s 15th birthday party ended up with cackling laughs, a terrible slap, and a revelation he never expected.
I thought I was on the correct path when someone new and exciting came into my life. It was impulsive and fast, but it felt like the right thing, and it ruined everything.
After 20 years of marriage to Isabel, or “Izzy” to everyone who knew her well, I’d thought there would be no excitement left in life. Nothing new. But then, out of the blue, I met Jenna at a friend’s board game night that my wife didn’t attend.
A woman at a board game party | Source: Midjourney
Before you get any ideas, I’m 49. My wife is 47, and Jenna is 46. This isn’t the typical story of a man who leaves his wife for a young girl.
Jenna felt like someone had lit a spark in me I didn’t even know I’d lost. We just clicked. I can’t explain it in a less cliché way. But I knew one thing for certain: I would never cheat on my wife.
So, I faced the difficult choice of picking between 20 years of loyalty and two kids versus the chance of a new romance. It would’ve been a no-brainer for most people.
A businessman thinking | Source: Midjourney
But it felt right, especially after I ran into Jenna at two different coffee shops, and even the supermarket, days after the party. It was fate, so impulse took over.
I told Izzy I wanted a divorce. Remembering that day is still painful and makes me want to go back in time, like that scene in “Interstellar.”
“MAKE HIM STAY, MURPH!”
A man in an astronaut suit | Source: Midjourney
Anyway, it was late in the evening when I got home from work, and the house felt emptier than usual. I knew our daughter, Maya, was at volleyball practice. Our son, Caleb, had his own college dorm, but he was sometimes around. Not that night, though.
I’d been thinking about Jenna all day and felt guilt as I spotted my wife. She was going through some work emails, and when I walked in, she looked up with her familiar warm smile. I wished Izzy wouldn’t have grinned at me.
Before I knew it, the words tumbled out: “I think… I think we need to talk about us. About…me wanting a divorce.”
A man looking nervous as he speaks | Source: Midjourney
The smile on her face and the light in her eyes faded into blankness. She was quiet for a long time after, and I was almost grateful for that silence.
But when she finally spoke, her voice was steady but strained. “You’re serious? After twenty years, just like that? Out of the blue?”
I tried to explain, saying things like “We’ve grown apart” and “It’s not you, it’s me.” More clichés that tasted bitter in my mouth. Yet, Izzy listened without interrupting.
A woman looking serious | Source: Midjourney
Eventually, she nodded, a sad smile barely curving her lips. “If this is what you want, Marcus, I won’t stand in your way. I hope you never come to regret this.”
***
That night haunted me for weeks, but Jenna and I moved forward. And surprisingly, the divorce went smoothly. Caleb and Maya seemed to handle the news as well as they could.
It was also good timing because my son was 19 and my daughter was almost 15. They could understand more easily.
After I explained, they nodded and acted politely, though my daughter barely looked at me. Caleb wrinkled his nose several times.
A young man looking angry | Source: Midjourney
I knew I should’ve talked to them before jumping the gun, but I didn’t want to overthink it or spoil my chance at this piece of happiness.
Meanwhile, Jenna was a breath of fresh air. She made me feel younger, and freer, like I could finally be myself again. Our dates were amazing, and she was completely focused on me. I was the sun in her galaxy. That makes a man stand taller and, honestly, more confident.
After that, things just fell into place. The divorce was amicable, though lengthy because of all our assets and the laws in our state.
As man holding some documents and smiling slightly | Source: Midjourney
My kids were also adjusting seemingly okay, though Maya had to alternate between houses. But this was our new normal, and I was genuinely happy.
Months passed, and the divorce was finalized without an issue. So, when Maya’s 15th birthday came up, I thought long and hard but concluded that it was time to introduce Jenna to everyone.
It wasn’t the easiest decision because the party was being held at my ex-mother-in-law’s house, but many of my relatives would also be there. In my mind, it was the right time.
An older woman at the front porch of a nice house | Source: Midjourney
Jenna and I walked through the door, and many did double takes. Still, my family was friendly and welcoming while I introduced my beautiful girlfriend proudly.
As we moved deeper into the house, toward the backyard, I caught sight of David, Izzy’s brother. He looked us up and down as his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. I froze for a second.
But Jenna leaned into me, squeezing my arm, and whispered, “Ignore him.” I smiled at her, nodded at my still-scowling ex-brother-in-law, and finally stepped out into the backyard, where most of the attendees were.
A backyard where people are gathered for a party | Source: Midjourney
I was looking for Maya and Caleb, specifically. But I wasn’t distracted enough to not notice the immediate change in the air.
The chatter had stopped, and only the music from unseen speakers kept going. Instead of my children, I saw my ex-wife first.
She was by the drinks table, talking to some people until she noticed the atmosphere shift, too, and turned toward us. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked completely stunned as her eyes darted between me and Jenna.
A woman stunned at something standing to the side | Source: Midjourney
I expected the tension. I even thought she would be angry, but I was sure I could explain any trouble away. Except, without warning, Izzy blurted, “You idiot!” and burst into laughter. The sound was loud and uncontrollable.
I froze again, as everyone turned to her in confusion. My kids, who I finally noticed, had been at a table eating burgers, but they stood and looked just as perplexed as everyone else.
I looked at my girlfriend and noticed her smile had frozen. She looked around and swallowed, nervously. But before I could ask her or Izzy what was going on, I saw Gloria, Izzy’s mother, stomping toward us.
An older woman angry | Source: Midjourney
Her face was red with anger. She stopped just inches from Jenna and, without warning, slapped her hard across the face.
My girlfriend staggered back, her hand flying up to her cheek, eyes wide with shock. I moved forward, trying to shield her, but Gloria wasn’t finished.
“How dare you show your face here!” she screamed her fury at Jenna. “After everything you did to my daughter? You think you can walk in here?!”
“Gloria, what the hell are you talking about?” I demanded, trying to push her away gently.
A man looking confused and upset | Source: Midjourney
Suddenly, my ex-brother-in-law stepped forward and put his arms on Gloria to hold her back while glaring at Jenna with open hatred.
“You really don’t know, do you?” he spat, looking at me like I was the biggest fool on earth. “This woman,” he pointed at Jenna, “was Izzy’s high school bully. She tormented her, and it was relentless!”
My stomach twisted as I looked at Jenna, who was staring at the ground, refusing to meet my eyes. “Is… is this true?” I whispered.
Jenna hesitated, then nodded tightly. “Yes, but that was years ago. I was young and stupid…”
A woman looking serious | Source: Midjourney
David cut her off. “It wasn’t just high school, Marcus! She tried to get Izzy kicked out of college. Spread lies and accused her of cheating on exams and plagiarizing papers all her freshman year.”
I stepped back, shaking my head. “No, that can’t be,” I said, turning to Jenna. “Tell them that wasn’t you!”
“It was her,” David spat. “She almost destroyed my sister’s future because she was too stupid to get into college!”
A middle-aged man in front of an older woman looking angry | Source: Midjourney
Those words set fire to Jenna. “I WASN’T STUPID!” she yelled at him but quickly turned to me. “Yes, I did those things, Marcus. It’s true. But people change. Doesn’t that count for something?”
My head was spinning. “Did you know she was my wife when we met and kept running into each other?” I asked.
Jenna looked down and nodded.
“GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!” Gloria screamed, thrashing in David’s arms.
An upset older woman pointing | Source: Midjourney
“Please, Marcus. Leave with me, and I’ll explain everything,” Jenna said, trying to touch my arm, but I was done with her.
“No,” I said, and this time, my voice cracked.
A hard look came over her face. “You think you’re so perfect? You think you didn’t hurt anyone? You left your wife and kids just because you were bored. This isn’t all on me!”
A woman looking upset | Source: Midjourney
I don’t know if she said that out of spite, to hurt me, or to justify herself. But she turned and walked away with her head held high, though I could see the redness of her cheek from Gloria’s slap.
When she was out of sight, I noticed the entire backyard was silent. Everyone watched me, waiting for something.
There was pity in my relatives’ eyes, but contempt in Izzy’s side of the family. Caleb stood off to the side with his arms crossed and his face tight. Maya looked at me like I was a stranger.
A teenage girl, looking sad | Source: Midjourney
“Dad,” she whispered. “How could you?”
“Maya, I didn’t know any of this!” I cried out.
Caleb walked forward. “Honestly? You didn’t know?” he asked. My son had always been the suspicious type, always analyzing why people did or acted in certain ways.
“It doesn’t matter!” Maya continued angrily. “You broke our family for NOTHING!”
Those words hit me harder than anything else that day.
A man looking sad | Source: Midjourney
I’d spent months convincing myself I was doing the right thing. That it was meant to be because things were going so smoothly. Everyone seemed happy!
But my kids weren’t. At all. That’s what I realized at that moment. Yet, I still felt like the wronged party.
Throughout all this, Izzy had said nothing. She stood there and watched it play out like it was none of her business. I don’t know why I hated that so much. It was to her that I yelled, “IT WASN’T MY FAULT! I DIDN’T KNOW!” before walking out in shame.
A sad man looking at something to the side | Source: Midjourney
***
In the days that followed, I calmed down and tried reaching out to my kids. Caleb responded occasionally but was always short with his answers. Maya didn’t respond at all. I didn’t dare call Izzy.
At first, I was defensive and told myself that no part of this was my doing. I had no clue. I’d just fallen in love. My relatives who were at the party eventually understood that, but the fact that my children couldn’t made me resentful.
After all, I’d cut Jenna off for good. She kept texting me, but I eventually blocked her. But no one was giving me the chance to explain it. Weeks later, I ran into my cousin and vented some of my feelings to her. By the end of that meeting, she gave me the business card of a therapist.
A woman holding a business card | Source: Midjourney
I called only a few days later. One thing he said actually put things into perspective.
“Whether you knew or not is irrelevant. You chose the divorce. You hurt your family on an impulse, as you’ve told me,” the doctor began. “What your ex-in-laws revealed was a bombshell, for sure. But at the end of the day, what matters now? Do you want to lose your kids for good?”
No, I didn’t want that. And after that simple realization, everything else he said in just one session made sense. I saw all the selfishness and stupidity I’d displayed. So, I took action.
A man in an office | Source: Midjourney
First, I called David, and I got the full detailed story of how Jenna almost ruined Izzy’s future. They’d needed lawyers and cops to finally get her to stop and disappear from their lives. During our talk, he called me many names and insults and told me Jenna had played me.
I knew and was glad that, at least, my love for her was gone. She wasn’t going to play me ever again. I asked for David’s forgiveness and he gave it grudgingly.
Afterward, I called my ex-mother-in-law and begged her to see my perspective. She forgave me only after giving me a two-hour lecture. She also told me I would never find someone as great as her daughter. That was true.
An older woman looking angry while on the phone | Source: Midjourney
I would never have Izzy as my wife again, but she was the mother of my children and the person I called next. This was the most painful conversation. Aside from forgiveness, I had to beg her for help with the kids.
I couldn’t let my relationship with them be completely destroyed. Fortunately, Izzy was gracious enough to agree after telling me that I really had no way of knowing who Jenna was. I breathed a sigh at last.
It took several weeks, but eventually, she called me, saying Caleb and Maya were open to having a deep conversation with me. We had to start slow, though. It had to be on their terms.
A man looking thoughtful | Source: Midjourney
This is my ONE chance to make things TRULY right and get my children back. I’m seeing them tomorrow. Wish me luck.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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