Duane Chapman Tries To Remain Strong As "Dad And The Dog" On His First Thanksgiving Without Wife Beth

Dec 03, 2019 by apost team

Duane Chapman, better known by his TV persona 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' spent his first Thanksgiving without his beloved wife this year. Beth Chapman developed throat cancer when she was just 51 earlier this year. Duane, the star on the Dog's Most Wanted show, wished all of his Instagram followers a happy Thanksgiving with a stock photo of a large feast. Earlier, he joked with People about hoping YouTube had a guide on Thanksgiving cooking since he'd be in charge this year.

He continued to explain that many family members will be in attendance and that his children are worried since he is cooking. He told People that his daughters would be brining extra dishes to compliment the turkey. Duane talked about how his family likes to talk about what they're thankful for in honor of Thanksgiving. He also explained an award given out sarcastically to the child that was the most difficult for that year. The award, appositely named the 'Butthole of the Turkey' award, will be going to Duane's son Garry, according to the TV star.

A scholarship in the memory of Beth was set up after her passing to which Duane shared a link in his Instastory from a post Rainy Robinson, one of his costars, made on that day. The post talked about the non-profit established in Beth Chapman's honor which is designed to aid those in pursuit of their GED.

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In September 2017, Beth Chapman, the beloved matriarch of the Dog the Bounty Hunter group, was told that she had stage II throat cancer. Tragically, she passed on the 26th of June. Duane was hospitalized in September after dealing with some heart complications. However, he told People he's feeling better since the ordeal, at least when it comes to his health. Naturally, he still terribly misses his wife. When opening up about the event, he said that he would never be the same again emotionally. He said that the loss took a piece of his heart. However, he said that he has to remain strong as "Dad and the Dog."

During an airing of The Dr. Oz Show, Dog learned that he suffered from a pulmonary embolism in his heart. This is a condition where one or more of the heart's arteries are being blocked by blood. Duane told People that he hesitated after hearing the news and didn't want to go through all of the pain caused by these horrific illnesses again. He said that for a while he didn't care if something were to have happened. Now, Duane said that he does care.

Duane and his family gave viewers of Dog's Most Wanted a view into the personal lives of the cast and their relatives during Beth's final days and shortly after. These moments were shared after the finale of the show. The incredibly emotional moments included when Dog's daughters, Cecily, Bonnie, and Lyssa were struck with grief after Beth's death. Lyssa said that it doesn't seem real. Duane mentioned to People that despite the family preparing for the loss, the death was still tough to handle. He said that it doesn't matter how much you prepare.

The Chapman family has been sure to keep Beth's memory alive. They honored her during a gathering with fans and friends in Waikiki, Hawaii at the Fort DeRussy Beach. There was also a memorial service held in Aurora, Colorado at the Heritage Christian Church.

Who are you missing this holiday season? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this article along to the people you love!