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“American Pickers” stars Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe buried their hatchet before the host died after years of drama

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“American Pickers” co-hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe have been involved in a very public feud for years. But despite the ongoing drama, the two friends, who starred together on the History Channel series for 10 years and knew each other for more than 40 years, mended their relationship before Fritz died.

On Tuesday, Wolfe shared the news of Fritz's death on Instagram, noting that he was “blessed” to have been able to “be by his side as he took a final journey home.”

“It is with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote. “I've known Frank for more than half my life and what you saw on TV was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. The same off-camera as on-camera, Frank.” had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself.

“AMERICAN PICKERS” STAR FRANK FRITZ DIES AT 60

Frank Fritz Mike Wolfe

The duo first starred in 2010's “American Pickers.” (Getty Images)

“Who would have ever thought that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures,” he continued. “Before the show, we set off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind, but only with a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical.”

“We have taken countless trips and covered so many miles together, and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home,” he concluded. “I love you, buddy, and will miss you so much, I know you’re in a better place.”

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According to TMZ, Fritz was surrounded by friends, including Wolfe, at the time of his death.

The duo hadn't been seen together in years since Fritz suddenly stopped appearing on “American Pickers” in 2020. However, the two reportedly managed to bury the hatchet last year, according to an unnamed friend.

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“Mike has wanted to see Frank for quite some time,” the friend told the Quad-City Times. “Frank just felt ready to see him. It was Frank’s request to see Mike.”

“They both had tears in their eyes. They were both crying,” she said. “Mike mentioned how nervous they both were before David Letterman, one of their first big performances. … They talked about old times, how things began and the impact they had on the world. There were tears on both sides.”

Frank Fritz Mike Wolfe

Fritz no longer appeared in the series around 2020. (Getty Images)

“They didn’t argue,” the friend added. “They needed separation to appreciate each other.”

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Representatives for Fritz and Wolfe did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The rumored feud dates back to 2020, when a very charismatic Fritz suddenly stopped appearing on the popular series.

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“I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years,” Fritz told The Sun in 2021. “He knew my back was bad, but he didn't call me and ask how I was doing. That's just the way it is.”

Frank Fritz Mike Wolfe

The duo has been very open about their public disagreement. (Getty Images)

“The show is 1,000% focused on him (Wolfe). I can't even bend down enough to show you how much. … I think Mike wants to bring his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don't do that.” Do you know why he behaves like that towards me? You can't just put two people in a van and get the chemistry you get from me and Mike. We've known each other for about 40 years. Everyone gets along and there's no drama, he and I fit together very well.”

A year later, Wolfe addressed the claims on Instagram.

“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he was like a brother to me,” he wrote. “The journey that Frank, Dani (Colby) and I began in 2009, like all of life, has had its ups and downs, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.”

“I will miss Frank, as will all of you, and I pray for the very best and all the best for him in the next part of his journey,” he concluded.

Danielle Colby, who often appeared with the duo on the series, commented positively on Fritz's exit at the time.

Frank Fritz attends an event

Fritz died on September 30th at the age of 60. (Getty Images)

“I’m really sad about the loss of Frank on the show,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am incredibly saddened by his struggles. I have personally observed everything over the last decade. I have many thoughts, but I don't want to express them because they are just my thoughts, not the gospel. I wish things could have been different, but we must be responsible for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others.”

“Frank put himself through so much pain that it was hard to watch. I really hope Frank gets the help he needs to get better after years of illness. It's not my place to speak ill of anyone who needs help, and that includes me. “I will continue to be encouraging with my comments,” Colby added.

That same year, Wolfe told The Sun: “We all care about Frank and want him back on the show. I would like to talk to him again, we would absolutely love to, but he just can't do it.”

Frank Fritz Mike Wolfe

Wolfe said he was “blessed” to have been by his friend’s side. (Getty Images)

“Frank personally suffers greatly from addiction issues,” he added. “It’s unfortunate that he made decisions that make him the way he is.”

The dispute appeared to have lasted a full year before Wolfe announced that Fritz had suffered a stroke in 2022.

“I have been very reserved over the last year about Frank’s life and the journey he has taken,” Wolfe wrote at the time. “There have been many opinions about 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 hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and minds,” he added. “Frank, I pray more than anything that you get through this okay.” I love you, buddy.

During their reunion in 2023, a friend told the Quad-City Times that Wolfe expressed his gratitude to Fritz.

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“He said, 'Nobody can replace you, Frank.' “He said it was Frank's 'uniquely fun personality' that made them fit together so well as a team,” the friend said.

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