“American Pickers'” star Mike Wolfe
, who owns property in Leiper's Fork and Columbia, Tennessee, is mourning the death of his beloved dog who died in a "tragic accident," one the host "feel(s) very much responsible" for. Wolfe closed his Antique Archeology store in Nashville in 2025, almost a year after the death of his former reality show costar Frank Fritz. Now Wolfe is also morning the loss of his dog.Wolfe, 61, said in a July 22 Instagram post that his heart is shattered in a thousand pieces at the loss of "my Francie Joe."
"I never got to say good bye or comfort her when she needed me most," Wolfe wrote in his post, which also featured images of the dog with the family. "She listened to me when she knew I was wrong. She had patience for me when I didn’t
deserve it. She didn’t just love me for who I was in the moment… She could see all of my pain and joy from my past to my present."
Wolfe said his dog "came into my life when I was struggling," and the two "traveled and explored this beautiful country of ours together." The host, in an April 2022 Instagram post, said he adopted the border collie "two years ago," though Francie Joe began featuring on his grid as early as October 2019.
"She was family she was everything I ever dreamed of in a dog. And now she’s gone pulled from this world too soon," Wolfe continued.
The History Channel host said while he's tried to make "sense of it all" for days, he's realized he can’t.
"All I can do is remember what she taught me and live my life the way she would be proud of me," Wolfe said.
Wolfe did not detail how his dog died, how old she was or how long she was with the family.
Wolfe's post was met with an outpour of love and support, including from "Teen Wolf" actor Tyler Posey, who wrote: "Aw buddy. Shes always been an amazing spirit."
For years Wolfe was an active member of his Volunteer State community, including participation in events that raised funds for local nonprofits like the Williamson County Animal Rescue. These days he spends most of his time in Iowa.
More detail on 'American Pickers'
"American Pickers" has followed antiques and collectibles hunters Mike Wolfe and colleagues since 2010 as they travel the country seeking items to buy (or "pick") for restoration and resale in their shops, for clients, or for their personal collections. The television series is set to return for filming in September in Iowa and Illinois, with producers seeking leads from collectors across both states, The Journal Standard, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, reported.
Francie Joe has been a regular fixture on American Pickers for several years.
Wolfe, in March 2025, had announced, he is taking a break from the show for the first time, six months after former co-star Frank Fritz's death. His brother Rob Wolfe had replaced Fritz, as the pair traversed the country searching for antique treasures.
"We haven't done that in 15 years, so that's going to feel good. For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going," Wolfe told People magazine, adding that the show's longest break so far has been for "a month around Christmas."
Wolfe is also the host of "History’s Greatest Picks With Mike Wolfe" on the History channel. Season 1 of the series premiered in February and concluded in April after eight episodes.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Pickers' Mike Wolfe loses beloved dog to 'tragic accident'
