Remembering 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Co-Star Beth Chapman On Her Heavenly Birthday

Oct 29, 2021 by apost team

Beth Chapman is remembered as the tough and beautiful wife of Duane Chapman (aka Dog the Bounty Hunter), who assisted her bounty hunter husband on his hunt for fugitives fleeing from the law. Beth Chapman passed away on June 26, 2019, at a hospital in Honolulu following her battle with cancer. 

Her battle with the disease began in 2017 when she was diagnosed with Stage II throat cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, she was declared cancer-free.
She was hospitalized in April 2019 with fluid in her lungs after nearly a year of being cancer-free. Doctors had to perform emergency surgery to alleviate the pressure.
After being hospitalized again in June that same year, though she fought long and hard, the cancer ultimately took Beth's life. Her death came suddenly, as she was put in a medically-induced coma at the hospital days before she passed away on June 26, 2019. Tragically, she was only 51 years old.

Her husband posted a message to Twitter confirming her passing. "It's 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain. Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side," the message read.

On what would have been her 53rd birthday, we remember this outstanding woman and pay homage to a wonderful person this world lost far too soon. Beth left behind her husband of 13 years and 11 children — four of which were her own by blood. The others were part of her blended family, as they were Duane's children from his previous wives.

Duane "Dog" Chapman, her loving husband, spoke with Hawaii News Now and other members of the press outside of their home in Hawaii shortly after Beth's death. The front gate and Beth's car were already covered in flowers and leis from well-wishers.

He recounted the last few months of the cancer journey and described how he stood by her, saying, "When she had an attack I didn't know anything to do but to say 'in Jesus' name' and hold her and when I said 'in Jesus' name' she said, 'Say it again, say it more'."

Dog then said that she was always thinking of others, and her final words were about her family. "And then she told the girls and everybody, with her mouth — she came out of it a couple times — 'I love you' and 'Are you guys all okay? Don't worry,'" he said.

The faithful family found solace in religion. "I loved her so much," Dog told reporters. "As Lazarus lay, Jesus said he's not dead, he's sleepeth. My final words are Beth isn't dead, she's sleeping."

"I hope to god there is a God. I trained myself (to think) 'What would Jesus do?' and I hope I'm not just talking to myself," Dog continued. "I hope there is a God and if there is, I'm gonna see my honey again. That's all we can do is hope."

Sadly, Duane had stated that Beth had told him in advance that she was going to die from the cancer. As reported by The Sun, he explained, "She woke me up one night and told me 'Daddy, I'm going to die,' and I said, 'No you're not.' So she had accepted it and I would not."

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Known for their hit TV show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter," Duane and Beth built an entire franchise for both themselves and their family through bounty hunting. Along with his wife Beth, Dog was able to catch many criminals that were out on bail and receive money for it. With a wide viewership, the show took place mainly in Hawaii or Dog's home state of Colorado and provided a mix of everything: thrill, action, romance and conflict. The series ran for eight seasons in total until it was canceled. The power couple then received their own spin-off, "Dog and Beth: On the Hunt." However, the passing of Beth affected the reality star and his family deeply. The death of a spouse or lifelong companion always has a devastating impact on the partner left behind. The partner is left to grieve, heal and find a way forward alone.

Following her death, the public showed their love for Beth and gave their support to Duane and Cecily Chapman. A memorial service was held for Beth in Colorado, her home, and was flooded with thousands of people, most of whom were fans who loved her as well. 

While many fans weren't able to physically attend either due to the pandemic, the family urged their followers to keep Beth's memory alive in other creative ways. For example, they suggested fans remember Beth by going for a walk or hike and posting a picture to social media with the hashtags #ForTheLoveOfBeth and #ThisOnesForBeth. It's an incredibly sweet and creative idea that honors Beth's memory and helps to keep her fans connected — even when they can't be there in person.

Rest in peace, Beth Chapman. Do you remember Chapman and her TV appearances fondly? Tell us your thoughts, and pass this on to fellow fans.