American Pickers star Mike Wolfe gets emotional as he's pictured saying a tearful goodbye

Daily Mail​

28-04-2025

After 14 years, American Pickers star Mike Wolfe is now closing up his Nashville store Antique Archaeology for good.
The History Channel star, 60, officially shut down his shop - which boasts vintage items, collectibles, and home decor selected by Wolfe himself - on Sunday.
But on Saturday Wolfe met with supporters of the shop as they came out to celebrate the store.
Wolfe appeared emotional as he was pictured arriving to the store, dabbing at his eyes, but managed to put a smile on his face once inside the store.
The move is bittersweet for the reality star, who is shutting down the store to return to his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where the original Antique Archaeology store is based (and will remain in business).
It comes as Wolfe prepares for a meaningful filming hiatus on American Pickers, the first time in 15 years.
Wolfe reflected on the moment in a post shared by both himself and his store's Instagram page, and shared photos of patrons gathered at the store.
He admitted he was 'overwhelmed' by the turnout.
'Mike and the crew were totally overwhelmed and beyond grateful for yesterday's turn out @antiquearchaeology In Nashville TN,' he captioned the post.
'Y'all came out in a big way to share stories and say so long to this little shop. Today is the last day we will be open we will be breaking down the shop tomorrow and moving most all of it to @visitleclaire IOWA.
'If you haven't already stop by to say hello and grab something WELL Come on! This isn't goodbye it's see you down the road In IOWA and online.'
Wolfe will now be shifting gears to his hometown in Iowa.
The star's friends, family, and mother, 81, reside there - as does his store and old buildings he plans on revitalizing.
'Everything I've ever known is there,' he told The Tennessean. 'I want to drive on roads I've driven on my whole life. I want to be around things that are familiar. And I want to be back there more with my little girl and with my mom.'
Wolfe revealed the store's closure earlier this month with a heartfelt Facebook message where he promised fans the closure was not a sign he was 'disappearing.'
'Well, Nashville… it's time,' he began. 'After nearly 15 amazing years, we've made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community. The visitors from all over the world who came through those doors, shared their stories, and reminded me every day why I started this journey in the first place.
'I've been so proud to be a part of this neighborhood, this city, and this chapter of life. But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next.
'For me, that's family. It's slowing down a little, staying rooted, and focusing on the new projects that are pulling at my soul. I'm not disappearing — not even close. I'll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store. But I've learned over the years that it's easy to spread yourself too thin, and balance is something we all chase in one way or another.
'This isn't goodbye — it's just a new rhythm. I'll forever be grateful for every moment in that Nashville space, and for all of you who made it more than just a shop. You made it home.'
Mike found fame after American Pickers debuted in 2010 and became one of the History Channel's most popular programs.
The series saw the star and his late friend Frank Fritz traveling across the U.S. in search of rare Americana artifacts and national treasures to add to their collections or sell in their antique shops.
Frank eventually departed the series in 2020 to undergo back surgery, and then he suffered a stroke in 2022 as a result of cerebral vascular disease.
He never fully recovered from his health woes and it was revealed that Frank died on September 30 last year at 60 years of age.
However, fans were delighted to learn that Mike and his pal had patched up their differences in 2022.
After Frank passed, Mike noted that he 'felt blessed' to be by his side as he 'took one last journey home.'
He wrote on Instagram at the time: 'It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.'
He recalled about his dear friend: 'I've know Frank for more then half my life and what you've seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.'
Elsewhere in the heartfelt post, he added, 'Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.
'Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.'
'We've been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you're in a better place.'