Mike Wolfe, creator and star of the antique-hunting reality TV show American Pickers, has revealed to The Tennessean that he is closing his Nashville store, Antique Archaeology, after 14 years.

In the interview, Wolfe became emotional when talking about how the move feels necessary because he wants to be closer to his 81-year-old mother, who still lives in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, a suburb of the Quad Cities on the border between Iowa and Illinois. Wolfe also said he wants to try to renovate some of the dilapidated buildings in the place where he grew up.

“Everything I’ve ever known is there. 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,” said the 61-year-old American Pickers star through tears.

Wolfe told The Tennessean that the last day for his Nashville store will be April 27 and he’ll be there on April 26 to thank Nashville citizens for their support and to sign autographs and take photos with them.

He also revealed that he’ll miss Middle Tennessee because he has become so fond of it.

“I’m a Southerner by choice. I moved down here 10 years ago and I fell in love with middle Tennessee because I’m a huge fan of country music. I love the collaborative atmosphere in this community, but I also love the way that people hold on to history here, more than anywhere else in this country that I’ve ever been. Family, community and just respect for each other in a way that’s different than anywhere else that I’ve ever experienced in America. It’s got my heart,” said Wolfe.

He added, “My favorite spot in middle Tennessee is Columbia — tremendous amount of history, incredible architecture, and just so many nooks and crannies that will surprise the heck out of you. It’s deep-rooted in Southern history and charm and I find it fascinating, no matter how many times I go there.”

Wolfe also took to Instagram to share the news with his fans, thanking them for everything but saying that he has to go where his heart is calling him.

“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,” wrote Wolfe.

American Pickers wrapped its 26th season on January 15 on the History Channel, but Wolfe revealed back in November 2024 that they were starting to shoot a new season. History has not yet announced a premiere date for the new season.