While marking the fourth anniversary of Beth Chapman's death, the 'Dog's Most Wanted' star shares that he's found a 'new meaning' for what used to be a heartbreaking day after the discovery of his secret child.
- June 27, 2023
AceShowbiz - Dog the Bounty Hunter a.k.a. Duane Chapman's family has just grown larger with a recent shocking discovery. The reality TV star has revealed that he recently found he's fathered a son named Jon, without naming the mother of the child.
Marking the fourth anniversary of his late wife Beth Chapman's death, Duane introduced his secret child by sharing a picture of his son Jon, who had his arm around his wife Jodi. In the caption, the bounty hunter shared that the discovery of his son has given a "new meaning" to what used to be a heartbreaking day.
"For the last four years, this day was a terrible reminder of one of the greatest losses of my life," the 70-year-old penned. "But God redeemed this day when I discovered my son Jon, who I just met recently, was born on this day. So now instead of sorrow, this day has a new meaning. This is my son Jon and his wife Jodi."
Teasing his upcoming memoir, Duane said that he'll share the story in detail in his new book "Nine Lives and Counting", which will be "coming SOON." He offered some encouraging words to his followers as writing, "For anyone who has suffered a terrible loss please know God restores and redeems," before declaring, "Happy birthday son, love you both."
The discovery of Duane's secret child brings the number of his offspring to 13. Besides Jon, he is a father to son Christopher whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Debbie White. He has Duane Lee II and Leeland with ex-wife La Fonda Sue Darnell.
From his marriage to Ann Tegnel, he has sons Wesley and James Robert. The former couple also welcomed son Zebadiah, who died as an infant. Duane went on to marry Lyssa Rae Brittain and they have three children together, Barbara Katie, who tragically died in a car crash in 2006, Tucker Dee and Lyssa Rae II.
With Beth, Duane shares two children, Bonnie Joanne and Garry. He also adopted Beth's daughter Cecily from her previous marriage.
Beth died in June 2019 after a two-year battle with throat and lung cancer. He later married Francie Frane in September 2021 after a whirlwind romance.
