Mike Wolfe, the longtime host of American Pickers, announced Wednesday that his dog and constant travel companion, Francie Joe, has died following what he described as a tragic accident.
Wolfe, 61, broke the news July 22 in an Instagram post that included a series of photos showing the dog on road trips and spending time with his family and friends.
"In a tragic accident, one I feel very much responsible for, I lost my Francie Joe," Wolfe wrote. "My heart is shattered in a thousand pieces. I never got to say goodbye or comfort her when she needed me most." This comes after Mike Wolfe was hospitalized after a horror car crash last year.
The reality television personality reflected on the bond the two shared over their years together.
"She listened to me when she knew I was wrong," he wrote. "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 the dog "came into my life when I was struggling" and recalled the years they "traveled and explored this beautiful country of ours together." He noted that her "big brown eyes" brought "so much joy" to him and everyone around her.
"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 wrote at the close of his post.
"For days now I've tried to make sense of it all. I've realized that I can't; all I can do is remember what she taught me and live my life the way she would be proud of me."
Francie Joe became a familiar presence to fans of American Pickers, the History Channel series that follows Wolfe as he hunts for antiques and collectibles across the U.S.
The dog appeared regularly on his social media, where Wolfe documented their travels together, including stops to sample local food in cities along their routes.
Wolfe frequently expressed his affection for the dog online. In an April 2022 post marking National Pet Day, he called her his "best friend."
"Road dog best friend. She came into my life two years ago, and she's been a gift from above. Happy National Pet Day, Francie," he wrote at the time.
Fans flooded the comments of Wednesday's announcement with condolences. "So sorry, worst pain there is… Cherish all those beautiful memories! Until we meet our angels again," one follower wrote.
Another added, "I hate to hear this, Mike. Dogs are the best. RIP Francie Joe."
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