American Pickers’ Star Mike Wolfe Reflects on ‘Heartache’ 3 Months After Costar’s Death

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors As 2024 comes to a close, Mike Wolfe is reflecting on this past year, including the losses and milestones he experienced. On Tuesday, December 31, the 60-year-old American Pickers host took to his Instagram to share a photo of himself smiling from ear to ear while sitting on a beat-up couch wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. Wolfe began the caption of his post by explaining that despite the death and sadness he experienced this year, he is optimistic about the future. In September, Wolfe tragically lost his former American Pickers co-host and best friend Frank Fritz to a stroke at the age of 60. Frank Fritz (L) and Mike Wolfe attend A+E Network’s 2015 Upfront at Park Avenue Armory on April 30, 2015 in New York City. Three months after his former ‘American Pickers’ co-host passed away, Wolfe reflected… Frank Fritz (L) and Mike Wolfe attend A+E Network’s 2015 Upfront at Park Avenue Armory on April 30, 2015 in New York City. Three months after his former ‘American Pickers’ co-host passed away, Wolfe reflected on 2024. D Dipasupil/Getty Images “I chose this photo to post because this is where I’m at right now in my life, happy, content and excited about the future,” Wolfe wrote. “This past year has brought loss and some heart ache but it also has beautiful moments with my daughter and family. The projects that I have thrown myself into have inspired me to do more.” The reality TV star also noted that hitting 60 has changed his perspective on life. “Turning 60 this year has centered me and brought me to a place in my mind that I feel at peace and I love that my circle is getting much smaller so I can be present more with the ones I love,” he wrote. The History Channel star thanked fans for their immense support and emphasized how important it is for everyone to come together in the new year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker) “I’m incredibly blessed for all of your support. For 15 years now we have been able to tell stories and focus on the history, people, and places that continue to bring us all together,” Wolfe penned. “I fall in love with America over and over again when I travel. There is no such thing as a nobody or a place that is nowhere. Now more the ever let’s seek and find common ground. 2025 We got this!!! ?.” Wolfe and Fritz shared a close bond over the years, but also faced some struggles in their friendship. Fritz was not asked back to American Pickers in 2021 as he was dealing with substance abuse issues, causing tension between the pair. Despite this, Wolfe revealed to People last month that he was by Fritz’s side before he passed. “I was holding his hand and rubbing his chest when he took his last breath,” he told the outlet.