“Dog the Bounty Hunter” began in 2003. It featured Duane “Dog” Chapman, his kids, co-workers, and his wife, Beth. Fans loved Chapman’s fair approach to tracking down criminals and the dynamic between him and his family. 

Chapman’s popularity has kept his life interesting for fans. Some were surprised when he married Francie Frane for the sixth time in 2021, and some were surprised that Chapman married again so soon after his wife’s death. 

She met Dog through her late husband. Dog married his first wife, La Fonda Sue Darnell, in 1972. He married four other women, including Beth Chapman, in 2006. The couple stayed together until she died in 2019. Dog then married Francie Frane. Dog and Frane met because he knew her late husband.

After Beth died, Dog called Bob because he needed an excavator. He didn’t know Bob had died, so when he left a voicemail, Francie called him back and said her husband couldn’t help. They talked and realized they’d both lost a spouse. 

Francie used to be a rancher and hunter. Chapman stays fit and healthy thanks to his job. He told Muscle Fitness that he works at a gym every other day. He said it’s essential for catching criminals. 

Their love of physical work brought them together. 

She found faith later in life. Dog the Bounty Hunter has transformed over the years, and so has Francie Frane. Frane’s Instagram shows she has always been devoted to her faith. She often posts about going to church and other things related to her relationship with God. Frane wasn’t always as religious as she is now. On the podcast “Past to Power with Amy Elaine & Latan,” Frane shared what led her to be so committed to her faith. 

Moving on after a spouse dies can be challenging. Some people stay single. However, Francie Frane and Duane Chapman had lost their spouses just before meeting one another. They were in a unique position to help each other with their grief, though it’s not something they’ll ever fully get over. 

Francie and Dog got engaged after less than a year of dating. Many fans were surprised that Duane would opt to get married so soon after losing Beth. He found his match in widow Francie Frane. After everything they’ve been through, they didn’t want to waste time. They got engaged ten months after Beth died. In an interview with The U.S. Sun, the couple said that Dog proposed to Frane with candles at their Colorado home. 

Francie married Dog in a dramatic 2021 wedding. Someone threatened to throw paint on Frane’s dress, so Chapman hired German Shepherds and Navy SEALs for extra security. Some guests said their tires were slashed with a razor blade, and a foul smell was left in their car. It’s unclear who did it, but some think it was Dog’s estranged daughters, Cecily and Bonnie, who weren’t invited to the wedding. 

Things got worse between Chapman and his daughters after their mother died in 2019. 

In 2022, the couple decided it was time for a change, and Franie was on board. The couple sold Chapman’s Colorado estate for about $1.59 million. Chapman has lived in the six-bedroom, five-bath property with 9 acres of land since 2009. 

Frane moved to Florida with her husband. Chapman had big plans to launch The D.O.G. Foundation to help victims of sex trafficking and abuse. Frane has posted pictures of herself and Chapman enjoying Florida life, including boat trips with friends. 

Francie is close with Dog’s daughter. Duane Chapman has 13 children from multiple marriages. Some of Chapman’s kids support his new romance with Francie.

In June 2024, Chapman’s daughter, Lyssa, posted a picture of her father and Frane on Instagram with the caption, “Happy birthday @franciedogchapman!!” We’re lucky to have you. I love how you’ve bonded with my girls. We’re fortunate to call you ours. See you soon!

On social media, Chapman and Frane always sign off on posts celebrating their children’s birthdays. This shows there is no bad blood. Chapman’s sons don’t post about Frane as much as Lyssa.