Meet Francie, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Wife

“Dog the Bounty Hunter” debuted in 2003, introducing the world to real-life bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman, his team, and his wife, Beth. Fans were captivated by his firm yet fair approach to tracking down criminals and the dynamic with his family.

Chapman’s life continues to intrigue fans, especially since he married again in 2021, less than a year after Beth’s death. His sixth wife, Francie Frane, was an unexpected addition to his story. But who is she, and how did she meet Duane Chapman?

Duane Chapman’s romantic life has been quite eventful. He married his first wife, La Fonda Sue Darnell, in 1972, and over the years, he married four other women. His relationship with Beth Chapman, whom he married in 2006, was notably strong until her passing in 2019. He found love again with Francie Frane, whom he met through her late husband, Bob Frane.

After Beth’s death, Duane called Bob’s number for excavator services, unaware that Bob had also passed away. Francie called him back, and their shared grief over losing their spouses fostered a connection. Their bond grew, leading to a date under one condition from Francie—Duane had to attend church. During the service, they held hands, marking the beginning of their relationship.

Francie Frane lived a simpler life before becoming Mrs. Chapman. She was a former rancher and hunter in Colorado. Duane, known for his active lifestyle, met Francie who shared his love for physical activity. In 2020, she posted a photo of Duane on a tractor, hinting at their shared interests in manual labor and outdoor activities.

Though often seen by Duane’s side, Francie has her unique spiritual journey. She frequently posts about her faith on Instagram, but she wasn’t always religious. She divulged on a podcast that she had been sexually abused as a child, memories of which resurfaced later in life. Her faith grew through her relationship with her late husband, Bob Frane, whom she believes was sent by God to help her heal.

Francie described finding faith as a life-changing experience, leading her to ultimately find love again with Duane.

Both Duane and Francie have endured the loss of their spouses, which undeniably bonded them. During their engagement, they expressed how their shared grief helped them support each other through challenging times. Despite moving forward, Francie continues to honor her late husband Bob’s memory, often posting heartfelt tributes on Instagram.

The whirlwind romance between Francie and Duane led to an engagement just ten months after Beth’s death. The proposal caught Francie by surprise; Duane had set up a romantic, candle-lit scene at home to ask her to marry him. Francie eagerly accepted his heartfelt proposal, crediting their quick bond to the timing and their shared experiences.

Duane and Francie’s wedding in 2021 wasn’t without its drama. Despite wanting a grand wedding, they opted for a more intimate affair with close friends and family. However, they faced anonymous threats and acts of vandalism on their big day, prompting them to hire extra security. The couple suspected the issues could have stemmed from family tensions, specifically with Duane’s estranged daughters, Cecily and Bonnie, who were not invited.

In 2022, Francie and Duane made a significant move by selling Duane’s Colorado estate and relocating to Florida. The property had been Duane’s home since 2009, but the change represented a fresh start for the couple. With plans to launch The D.O.G. Foundation in Florida, the move was a step toward new beginnings.

Francie has embraced Duane’s reality TV fame and accompanies him to various events and conferences. She also participates in religious and women’s empowerment events. Francie actively promotes her speaking engagements on Instagram, sharing her experiences and journey with faith, indicating her integration into Duane’s public life.

Family dynamics have played a significant role in Francie’s relationship with Duane. While some of Duane’s children have accepted Francie, tensions remain with others. One such supportive family member is Duane’s daughter, Lyssa, who publicly expressed her gratitude for Francie in an Instagram post. Their positive relationship highlights the blend of family ties following such a significant transition.

Since marrying Duane, Francie has gained a substantial social media following, amassing over 65,000 followers on Instagram by August 2024. Initially not very active on social platforms, her prominence grew alongside her relationship with Duane and her engagement with the Christian community. Francie’s posts are a mix of personal, religious, and supportive messages, indicating a growing public presence and influence.