Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman recently celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary with Francie Frane, a milestone marked by heartfelt public tributes. The couple, who revealed their romance in March 2020, have forged a bond that is deeply rooted in shared experiences of loss, particularly the deaths of their respective spouses due to cancer.
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On 3 September, Chapman, 73, took to Instagram to commemorate the occasion, posting a touching message to Frane, who is 57. He shared a photograph from their wedding day, accompanied by an affectionate caption in which he expressed his love and appreciation for her. “You are the sunshine of my life. I never want to be without you. We are more than soulmates. I believe we were destined for each other,” Chapman wrote, emphasising the strength of their connection.
Chapman’s tribute did not merely celebrate their partnership; it also highlighted their faith. He referenced a biblical passage, stating, “What God has joined together, let no one separate,” further illustrating the spiritual significance of their union. His reflections on their journey together showcased how they have supported each other through challenging times, with Chapman stating, “Thank you for loving me the way you do.”
The couple’s paths first crossed amid their sadness; Chapman had lost his wife, Beth Chapman, in June 2019 after a battle with throat cancer, while Frane’s husband, Bob, passed away six months prior. They found solace in one another, bonding over their mutual grief. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2020, Frane commented on their connection: “We understood the pain that the other one was feeling. In those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up.”
In their efforts to honour the memories of their late partners, Chapman and Frane have created new traditions together. On the anniversary of Beth’s death in 2020, Chapman took Frane and his children to the Platte River, a location that held special significance for him and his late wife. He expressed a unique blend of emotions while acknowledging their love, stating, “But we’re in love and I say all the time, ‘Beth, I’m glad you provided me with Francie because that wasn’t on my list.’”
However, their journey has not been without deep tragedy. In July 2025, Chapman faced heartbreak once again when his stepson, Gregory Zecca, was implicated in the accidental shooting of his own son, Anthony, at a home in Naples, Florida. The incident resulted in the tragic death of the 13-year-old, leaving the family in mourning once more. Chapman and Frane addressed the tragedy through a representative, asking for prayers as they cope with the loss, calling it an “incomprehensible, tragic accident.”
The reality television star’s family has faced significant challenges, with Chapman being the father of 13 children from multiple relationships. He has shared the ups and downs of fatherhood over the years, experiencing both joy and sorrow. Despite the difficulties they have encountered, Chapman continues to express gratitude for the love he found in Frane.
In 2023, Chapman revealed another layer to his family story, announcing that he had recently discovered a son named Jon, whose existence he had only just learned about. This revelation further demonstrates the complex and evolving nature of his family life.
As Chapman and Frane navigate their lives together, they remain committed to supporting each other through both celebrations and grief. Their marriage stands as a testimony to resilience and the ability to find love even after profound loss. As they reflect on their five years together, their story resonates with many who have faced similar hardships, offering a sense of hope amid grief.