'American Pickers' star Mike Wolfe says Frank Fritz suffered a stroke: 'Pray for my friend'

Elise Brisco, USA TODAY
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Former "American Pickers" co-host Frank Fritz is hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his ex co-host Mike Wolfe has shared.

Wolfe announced the news on Instagram Thursday.

"Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital," Wolfe wrote. "Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy."

USA TODAY reached out to Fritz's reps for more information.

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A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)

"American Pickers" follows antique hunters as they travel around the country rummaging through junk yards and attics for historic gems for resale. The series first aired on the History Channel in 2010 with Fritz and Mike Wolfe as co-stars. Fritz stopped appearing on the show during Season 21.

Wolfe confirmed Fritz would no longer be on the show in July of 2021, writing he will "miss Frank." 

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"I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey," he wrote at the time.

While Wolfe expressed having a close relationship with Fritz then, Fritz revealed to The Sun in July 2021 that he and his old co-star hadn't spoken in "two years" and that he "didn’t leave the show."

"I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came,” he said.

Mike Wolfe, left, and Frank Fritz host the History channel show, 'American Pickers.' [Via MerlinFTP Drop]
Mike Wolfe, left, and Frank Fritz host the History channel show, 'American Pickers.' [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

"(Mike) 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," he added.

In his Thursday post, Wolfe addressed the rumors of tension between him and Fritz.

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"I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show," Wolfe wrote. "Now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend."

"American Pickers" is currently airing its 23rd season with Wolfe, his brother Robbie Wolfe and antique shop manager Danielle Colby as co-stars.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Pickers' Frank Fritz suffered a stroke, Mike Wolfe says