Duane Chapman, also known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” is famous for his exciting adventures as a bounty hunter and his engaging personality on reality TV. People are also curious about his personal life, including his past and present wives.
Current Wife
Duane Chapman fell in love again and is now married to Francie Frane. Their engagement was announced by TMZ on August 23, 2021. Francie had lost her husband, Robert “Bob” Frane, in December 2018. She met Chapman about six months after Beth’s death.
They had a lot in common and felt a strong connection, so they got engaged in May 2020. They had a beautiful wedding in Colorado on September 2, 2021.
Ex-Wives
Duane Chapman, known by his popular moniker “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” has experienced the journey of marriage five times throughout his life, with each marital union adding unique colors and threads to the intricate fabric of his personal story.
La Fonda Sue Darnell
Duane Chapman’s initial venture into matrimony led him to La Fonda Sue Darnell, his first wife, and together they became parents to two wonderful sons, Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Blane Chapman.
As fate would have it, both sons followed in their father’s footsteps, embracing the thrilling world of bounty hunting and becoming integral members of the family business at Da’Kine Bail Bonds in the captivating city of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Their close-knit bond and shared professional journey captivated audiences worldwide through their televised exploits, solidifying their family’s widespread admiration and fame.
Anne M. Tegnell
After parting ways with La Fonda Sue Darnell, Duane Chapman entered into a marital union with Anne M. Tegnell, embarking on a new chapter of his life.
During their time together, they experienced the joy of parenthood, welcoming three precious children into their family: Zebadiah Chapman, whose life was tragically cut short in infancy, Wesley Chapman, and James Robert Chapman, fondly known as J.R.
This union occurred shortly after Chapman’s release on parole, following a two-year confinement for third-degree murder at the Texas State Penitentiary. However, their journey together faced challenges, and the couple eventually separated after Wesley’s birth.
Anne was granted custody of their beloved children and relocated to Utah, resulting in a painful period of separation between Chapman and his sons. Nevertheless, fate smiled upon them, and as adulthood arrived, they found themselves joyfully reunited, overcoming the obstacles that once stood in their way.
Lyssa Rae Brittain
Duane Chapman’s third wife was Lyssa Rae Brittain, also known as “Big Lyssa.” They got married in the Colorado mountains, with a Native American chief officiating the ceremony. Their marriage lasted from 1982 to 1991.
At the time they met, Lyssa was still married to an Assemblies of God minister, but they were already separated due to his unfaithfulness. During their marriage, Chapman and Lyssa had three children: Barbara Katie Chapman, Tucker Dee Chapman, and Lyssa Rae Chapman.
The family faced many difficulties, including a challenging childhood marked by instances of abuse and substance misuse. However, they stayed strong and resilient, and Duane’s daughter, Lyssa, has made a name for herself in her own right.
Tawny Marie Chapman
In 1988, Tawny Marie Chapman and Duane Chapman crossed paths when he arrested her for having drugs. Afterwards, she became his secretary and later his fourth wife.
They got married in 1992, but things didn’t work out, and they separated in 1994. Eventually, they officially divorced in 2002. Even though they didn’t have kids together, Chapman’s children considered Tawny as their mom when they were together.
In his book, “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide,” Chapman described their marriage as a big problem, blaming Tawny’s addiction to amphetamines.
Beth Smith
Beth Smith, also known as Alice Elizabeth “Beth” Barmore, was Duane Chapman’s last wife. They had their ups and downs, but they got married on May 20, 2006, in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii.
Duane and Beth had two children together named Bonnie Joanne Chapman and Garry Chapman. They also adopted Cecily Barmore-Chapman, Beth’s daughter from a previous marriage.
They had a strong bond and worked together at Da’Kine Bail Bonds. Sadly, Beth lost her life on June 26, 2019, after fighting against throat cancer. She was diagnosed in 2017, and her brave battle against the illness was shown on the A&E series “Dog and Beth: Fight of Their Lives.”
In Conclusion
Duane Chapman, known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” has led a life filled with adventure, challenges, and love.
Throughout his multiple marriages, he has had significant relationships with his ex-wives, including La Fonda Sue Darnell, Anne M. Tegnell, Lyssa Rae Brittain, Tawny Marie Chapman, and the late Beth Smith.
Duane Chapman’s current wife is Francie Frane, with whom he found love and companionship after the passing of Beth.
