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5 Shocking Facts About Dog The Bounty Hunter's New Wife, Francie Frane, And Their Tragic 2025 News

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The question of who captured the heart of Duane "Dog" Chapman after the devastating loss of his beloved wife, Beth Chapman, has captivated fans worldwide. As of late 2025, the answer is Francie Frane, a Colorado rancher who shared an incredibly unique and heartbreaking connection with the famous bounty hunter. Their relationship, which blossomed from shared grief into a new chapter of love, has been anything but quiet, marked by a high-profile wedding, intense family drama, and, most recently, a profound personal tragedy that has shaken the couple to their core.

The story of Dog and Francie is a powerful narrative of redemption and finding light after darkness, but their journey has been tested by public scrutiny and deeply personal sorrow. This article dives deep into the life of Francie Chapman (née Frane), their controversial wedding, their life together in 2024 and 2025, and the recent, heartbreaking news that has brought their shared experience of loss full circle.

Francie Frane: A Complete Biographical Profile

Francie Frane, now officially Francie Chapman, was an unexpected figure to enter the limelight, originally living a life far removed from reality television. Her background as a rancher and hunter in Colorado provided a grounded contrast to the celebrity world of Duane Chapman.

  • Full Name: Francie Frane (now Francie Chapman)
  • Date of Birth: Conflicting reports place her birth around 1969 or 1971.
  • Place of Birth: Colorado, USA
  • Known For: Wife of Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman; former rancher and hunter.
  • Previous Spouse: Bob Frane (Deceased 2018)
  • Current Spouse: Duane "Dog" Chapman (Married September 2, 2021)
  • Children: Two sons from her previous marriage, making them Dog's stepsons.
  • Shared Tragedy: Both Francie and Dog lost their respective spouses to cancer in close succession, creating the foundation for their unique bond. Francie's late husband, Bob Frane, died in late 2018, and Dog’s late wife, Beth Chapman, passed away in June 2019.

1. Their Love Story Was Forged in Shared, Profound Grief

The most compelling aspect of the Duane and Francie relationship is its foundation in mutual, profound loss. This is not a typical celebrity romance; it’s a story of two people who understood the specific, isolating pain of losing a spouse to cancer.

A Serendipitous Meeting Through the Late Husband

Their first meeting was a twist of fate that seems almost scripted. After Beth's passing in 2019, Dog was struggling with yard work at his Colorado home. He reportedly called a local number for a landscaper, only to find that the number belonged to Francie's late husband, Bob Frane. Bob had passed away from cancer in late 2018, just months before Beth Chapman succumbed to throat cancer in June 2019.

This initial connection over a simple task quickly evolved into a deep, emotional bond. They began spending time together, not as romantic partners initially, but as two grieving souls who could talk openly about their late spouses, Bob and Beth. This shared experience of widowhood and the ability to process their pain together was the catalyst for their romance.

The Timeline of Their Redemption Love Story

  • Late 2018: Francie's husband, Bob Frane, passes away from cancer.
  • June 2019: Dog's wife, Beth Chapman, passes away from throat cancer.
  • Late 2019/Early 2020: Duane and Francie meet and begin dating.
  • May 2020: The couple announces their engagement. Dog proposed to Francie at his home in Colorado.
  • September 2, 2021: Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman and Francie Frane marry in Colorado.

2. The Controversial Wedding That Required Navy SEAL Security

The marriage of Duane and Francie in September 2021 was a highly-anticipated event, but it was overshadowed by significant family friction and security concerns, making it one of the most controversial celebrity weddings of the year.

A Public Rift with Dog's Daughters

The most shocking element was the public feud with some of Dog's children, specifically his daughter, Bonnie Chapman, and stepdaughter, Cecily Barmore (Beth’s daughter). Both were notably absent from the wedding.

Bonnie publicly accused her father of making racist and homophobic remarks, claims Dog vehemently denied, attributing the conflict to a disagreement over her involvement in a new TV project. The drama created a deep rift, with Dog and Francie expressing sadness over the situation but choosing to proceed with the wedding, stating they were focused on celebrating with the rest of their family and close friends.

Security Measures and Threats

The intense public scrutiny and the family drama led to serious security concerns. Reports surfaced that the couple faced threats and that tires on their vehicles had been slashed in the days leading up to the ceremony.

To ensure the safety of the couple and their 100 guests, Dog and Francie reportedly hired former Navy SEALs to provide security for the event. This unprecedented measure highlighted the high-stakes, high-tension atmosphere surrounding their decision to marry and move forward with their lives.

3. Navigating Life After the Wedding (2024 & 2025)

Since their wedding, Duane and Francie have maintained a relatively public profile, often focusing on their shared Christian faith and continued efforts in bounty hunting and public appearances. Their life together in 2024 and 2025 has been a mix of personal health challenges, public speaking, and, most recently, profound tragedy.

A Focus on Faith and Public Speaking

In 2024 and 2025, the couple has frequently appeared at religious and community events. Dog has been vocal about his renewed commitment to faith, often crediting Francie for helping him find strength and hope after Beth's death. They have been featured at events like the "Turnaround 2025 Event," where they speak about their personal journey, finding love amid grief, and their spiritual beliefs.

Francie’s Health Challenges

Francie has also faced personal health issues, including undergoing major oral surgery to fix a long-standing problem. This public sharing of their health struggles is consistent with the couple’s desire to be open with their fans about the realities of their lives, providing a glimpse into their challenges as a married couple.

4. The Tragic Loss That Shook Them in Mid-2025

In a devastating turn of events in mid-2025, Dog and Francie faced a new, heartbreaking tragedy that brought their shared experience of loss full circle. Francie's son (Dog's stepson) was tragically shot and killed in July 2025 in what was reported as an accidental shooting.

This profound loss of a child is arguably the biggest personal challenge the couple has faced since their wedding. The tragedy is especially poignant given that their relationship was founded on the shared grief of losing a spouse. Now, they must navigate the unimaginable pain of losing a child together, a shared sorrow that deepens their bond while testing their resilience.

The couple released a joint statement through a representative, confirming the family tragedy and asking for privacy and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. This event has highlighted the fragility of life and the continuous challenges the couple faces, even years after finding love again.

5. Francie's Role in Dog's Redemption and Future

Francie Frane's role in Dog's life has been consistently described as one of redemption and healing. She is widely credited with pulling Dog out of the deep depression he experienced after Beth's passing, helping him to quit smoking and focus on his faith.

She is not merely a replacement for Beth, but a partner who shares a unique understanding of his past and his pain. Their relationship is seen by many fans as a "redemption love story"—a testament to the power of finding hope and moving forward after unimaginable loss. As they navigate the recent tragedy of losing Francie's son, their shared faith and mutual support will be the defining factors in their ability to cope and continue their life together in the public eye. Their continued presence at events in late 2025 suggests a commitment to their mission and to each other, despite the overwhelming personal sorrow.

dog the bounty hunter new wife
dog the bounty hunter new wife

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