Mike Wolfe's GF denies Frank Fritz feud rumors, says he stayed by co-host's side until his 'last breath'

LECLAIRE, IOWA: In the wake of Frank Fritz's death at the age of 60, Mike Wolfe’s girlfriend Leticia Cline has taken to social media to dispel rumors surrounding a feud between the two 'American Pickers' stars, the Daily Mail reported.

Speculations had arisen that Wolfe and Fritz were not on good terms before Fritz's death, prompting Cline to set the record straight via her Instagram Story.

Mike Wolfe's girlfriend addresses Frank Fritz feud rumors after his death at 60

"For the past 3 years I have been a witness to how Mike has done everything possible to make sure Frank has had the best care," she wrote.

Cline expressed her frustration with the misinformation circulating online, stating, “It's been hard to be silent while rumors spread untruths and foster hate but instead of wasting energy defending himself, he's spent that time on phone calls and in person with Frank and his caregivers including being by his side as he took his last breath last night."

She revealed that Wolfe focused on being present for Fritz and his caregivers, even staying by his side during his final moments. Though she never met Fritz, Cline noted she learned about him through the many stories Wolfe shared about their adventures together.

Cline concluded her heartfelt message by expressing pride in Wolfe's resilience and grace during this difficult time saying, "I'm so proud of the grace and resilience Mike has had during these years and how he has never let it come between the bond of friendship. Frank will be missed by so many."

Wolfe’s brother, Rob, also addressed the rumors, confirming that the two former co-stars remained in regular contact. In a recent interview, Rob mentioned, "We're in contact with him. The crew and I go up and see him. It's kind of hard to talk about Frank in general, because he can't really talk about it for himself. My brother sees him more than I do."

The public feud between Wolfe and Fritz began in 2020 when Fritz took a break from filming to recover from back surgery. Their fallout became apparent when Fritz revealed he hadn't spoken to Wolfe in years, feeling abandoned during a critical time in his recovery.

Frank Fritz required 24/7 care following devastating stroke

The beloved co-star of 'American Pickers' died after enduring severe health complications from a stroke he had in July 2022. According to a source close to Fritz, his condition had significantly worsened in the weeks leading up to his death, leaving him unable to move the right side of his body and in need of 24-hour care.

“He has been bad since the stroke, and he had been getting worse,” the insider told The US Sun.

“He was unable to move, and there was no way he was getting better. He was in a home.”

The once energetic TV star, known for his passion for antiques and travel, spent his final months in a care facility, dependent on medical professionals and loved ones for his basic needs.

Frank’s stroke in 2022 left him permanently wheelchair-bound, and his health continued to deteriorate over the next two years. His declining condition required the establishment of a conservatorship in August 2022, which allowed trusted individuals to manage his financial and medical affairs.

By July 2024, as his needs grew, MidWestOne Bank filed a petition to take control of his finances, emphasizing the necessity for long-term skilled nursing care.