Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman Looks Heartbroken as He Steps Out for the First Time Since Wife Beth’s Death
She may have been battling cancer for a while, but it felt like Beth Chapman‘s death came out of nowhere when she passed away on Wednesday, June 26. As fans and family alike mourned her passing, no one was more affected than her husband, Duane ‘Dog Chapman. He was the one who first broke the news to fans, sharing an emotional post where he promised to “see [her] on the other side.” Later that same day, the Dog the Bounty Hunter star was spotted for the first time. On the 26th, he stepped out while looking heartbroken and worse for wear.
Duane, 66, held a hand over his heart as he took a phone call in Hawaii. Though family members had rushed to be by 51-year-old Beth’s side after she was placed in a medically induced coma, it’s possible that not everyone was able to make the trip. Daughter Bonnie Jo Chapman made sure to hold her mother’s hand while she was in the hospital, but some of Beth’s other kids and grandkids posted throwback photos of themselves with her in her honor. Friends and cast mates also shared words of grief and tributes on Twitter in the wake of her passing.
Since the news broke, it seems that everyone has rushed to honor Beth’s life, work and character. WGN America released a video remembering her and her strength, and Bonnie continued to share heartfelt words for her mom. “I’ll never forget you, mama,” she wrote on Twitter. “You were such a strong woman, and you taught me to always be strong. You were strong for everyone, and you taught me it’s OK to let go.” In additional posts, she continued, “So thankful I got your beautiful smile. … I’d never thought I’d lose my mom at 20. I told her I thought she had a couple years left, but in her eyes she disagreed.”
The 20-year-old star also lashed out at those who’d posted unkind words about her blonde bombshell of a mom. “For those talking s–t about my mother after her death, shame on you,” she slammed. “My mother was a person and doesn’t deserve to be degraded because of ANY of her or my father’s past. My mother fought for women’s rights and was the kindest woman.” For fans who have love to share, though, Bonnie is more than happy to welcome them to pay their respects.
There’s no doubt that Beth is deserving of all the love in the world. Revealing her last words, Duane shared that she was taking care of her family until the very end. “When she had an attack, I didn’t know anything to do but to say, ‘In Jesus’ name,’ and hold her,” he said. “And when I said, ‘In Jesus’ name,’ she said, ‘Say it again, say it more.’ … And then she told the girls and everybody, with her mouth — she came out of it a couple of times — ‘I love you’ and ‘Are you guys all OK? Don’t worry.'”
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