Dog The Bounty Hunter's Six Wives: The Untold Story Of Duane Chapman's Marriages, From La Fonda To Francie Frane

Duane "Dog" Chapman's romantic life has been as dramatic and publicized as his career as a legendary bounty hunter, encompassing six marriages and a large, blended family. As of December 2025, the reality star is married to Francie Frane, a Colorado rancher who entered his life during a period of intense grief following the passing of his beloved fifth wife, Beth Chapman. This article delves into the full, complex history of "Dog the Bounty Hunter's" wives, providing the most current updates on his life with Francie, their shared tragedy, and the enduring legacy of the women who have stood by the controversial television personality. The story of the Chapman wives is one of whirlwind romances, legal drama, and deep, enduring love, with each woman playing a pivotal role in shaping the life of the man known globally as Dog. From his earliest marriage to La Fonda Sue Honeycutt to his current bond with Francie, the women in his life have been integral to his personal journey and public persona.

Duane "Dog" Chapman: A Complete Biographical Profile

Duane Lee "Dog" Chapman is an American television personality, bounty hunter, and former bail bondsman best known for his reality television series Dog the Bounty Hunter (2004–2012) and its spin-offs.

• Full Name: Duane Lee Chapman
• Nickname: Dog the Bounty Hunter
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1953
• Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado
• Occupation: Bounty Hunter, Bail Bondsman (former), Reality Television Star, Author
• Notable Shows: Dog the Bounty Hunter, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, Dog's Most Wanted, Dog Unleashed
• Total Marriages: 6
• Current Wife: Francie Frane (married 2021)
• Children: 13 total (including Christopher Michael Hecht, Duane Lee Chapman II, Leland Blane Chapman, Wesley Chapman, James Robert Chapman, Barbara Katie Chapman, Tucker Dee Chapman, Lyssa Rae Chapman, Zebadiah Chapman, Bonnie Joanne Chapman, Garry Chapman, and adopted daughter Cecily Chapman)

The Six Marriages of Dog the Bounty Hunter: A Timeline

Dog's life has been defined by his long string of commitments, totaling six wives who have shared his life at various stages of his career and personal growth. This list details each marriage in chronological order, illustrating the complex path that led him to his current wife, Francie Frane.

1. La Fonda Sue Honeycutt (1972–1977): Dog's first marriage took place in 1972. They had two sons, Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Blane Chapman, both of whom later became bounty hunters and co-stars on his reality shows.
2. Anne M. Tegnell (1979–1982): Dog married Anne Tegnell shortly after his release from prison. They had three children together: Wesley Chapman, James Robert Chapman, and Zebadiah Chapman, though Zebadiah tragically died shortly after birth.
3. Lyssa Rae Brittain (1982–1991): Known as "Big Lyssa," she is the mother of three of Dog's children: Barbara Katie Chapman (deceased), Tucker Dee Chapman, and Lyssa Rae Chapman (known as "Baby Lyssa").
4. Tawny Marie Chapman (1991–2002): Tawny Marie was married to Dog before he achieved mainstream fame. She was his secretary and bail bonds office assistant. Their marriage was his longest non-Beth relationship, though it ended in divorce.
5. Beth Chapman (2006–2019): Alice Elizabeth "Beth" Chapman was his most famous and longest-lasting partner. They married in 2006 after a long on-again, off-again relationship. Beth, a powerhouse in the bail bonds industry and a co-star on all his major reality series, passed away in June 2019 after a long battle with throat cancer.
6. Francie Frane (2021–Present): Dog's current wife, whom he married in September 2021.

Francie Frane: Dog's Current Wife and the Georgia Chapter

The relationship between Duane Chapman and Francie Frane began in 2020, offering a shared path out of profound grief. Francie, a rancher from Colorado, had also tragically lost her husband, Bob, to cancer just six months before Dog lost Beth.

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The two bonded over their shared experience of losing a spouse, a unique and powerful foundation for a new relationship. They announced their engagement in May 2020, less than a year after Beth’s passing, and married in a ceremony in Colorado in September 2021.

A Shared Life in Georgia and Recent Challenges (2025 Update)

In a significant recent update, Dog and Francie have moved their life from Colorado and Hawaii to a new home in Georgia. This move signals a new chapter for the couple, far from the Hawaiian islands that were so central to the Dog the Bounty Hunter television show and his life with Beth.

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The couple has faced immense personal challenges as recently as June 2025. They were left heartbroken following the accidental death of Francie’s 13-year-old grandson. This tragedy, which involved a shooting, brought the couple closer as they navigated the complexities of grief and family support together, demonstrating the strength of their bond under duress.

Furthermore, Francie has been open about her health struggles, including undergoing major oral surgery to correct a long-standing issue. The couple's public life continues to be one of both high-profile events and deeply personal struggles, which they often share with their fans.

The Enduring Legacy of Beth Chapman: The Fifth Wife

For millions of fans, the name "Dog the Bounty Hunter wife" is synonymous with Beth Chapman. Beth was not just a spouse but an equal partner in Dog's business and a co-star in his professional life across multiple reality series, including Dog and Beth: On the Hunt and Dog's Most Wanted.

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Their tumultuous, passionate relationship was a central theme of their television shows, showcasing their dynamic as a powerful couple in the bail bonds industry. Beth’s strong personality, business acumen, and unwavering support for Dog made her a fan favorite and a reality TV icon.

Beth’s battle with throat cancer, which was documented on their show Dog's Most Wanted, captivated and saddened their global fanbase. Her death in June 2019 at the age of 51 was a devastating blow to Dog and their children, including Bonnie Joanne Chapman and Garry Chapman, as well as her adopted daughter, Cecily Chapman.

Dog’s public grief was intense, and he initially stated he would never marry again. The announcement of his relationship and subsequent marriage to Francie Frane, while controversial to some fans of Beth, was framed by Dog as a necessary step to move forward and a testament to Beth's wish for him to find happiness.

Family Dynamics and the Chapman Clan

The complexity of Dog's marital history directly correlates with the size and intricacy of the Chapman family. Dog has a staggering 13 children from his six relationships, creating a massive, blended family known as the "Chapman Clan."

Key figures in the family who have appeared on television alongside Dog include his sons Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Blane Chapman, who have forged their own careers in the bounty hunting world. His daughter, Lyssa Rae Chapman, also known as "Baby Lyssa," became a prominent figure on the A&E series.

Francie Frane has integrated into this large family, bringing her own two sons from her previous marriage into the fold. The family dynamic is often a subject of public scrutiny, with various children having had public disagreements and reconciliations with their father over the years.

The unity between Dog and Francie, especially as they navigate life in Georgia and mourn the loss of Francie’s grandson, underscores a new era for the Chapman family. While the legacy of Beth Chapman remains a powerful force, the current chapter with Francie Frane is defined by shared experience and a mutual commitment to rebuilding a life after loss.