As Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman’s family approaches the first anniversary of Beth Chapman’s June 26th death from cancer, the reality star finds himself surrounded by a loving family that, months ago, seemed hopelessly divided. Daughters Cecily and Lyssa shared Father’s Day love on Instagram — and both had warm words for Chapman’s fiancee, Francie Frane, 51.
Read MoreLyssa Chapman added, “thank you for picking me to be your favorite child.” The video post features Chapman, wearing overalls, busting a move.
In a Saturday post, Lyssa sent heartfelt words to Frane: “Happy birthday to the Woman who Brought a Smile Back to my Dads Face, â¤ï¸ who Brought Love back into our Home 🡠and Gave us Something we Didn't Know we were Missing. I Can't Wait for all Adventures to Come 💃🾠! Love You Francie @franciefrane You and Dad Show the World That Some Storms Do Lead To Beautiful Rainbow Filled Destinations.”
Frane, whose husband Bob, died of cancer just six months before Beth, met Chapman when she returned a phone message he’d left for her husband, a Colorado rancher. Frane had never heard of Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman or his “Dog The Bounty Hunter” reality tv show, but the pair quickly found common ground in their faith and grief. They announced their engagement in early May.
Grief is Like a Rollercoaster
Although grief is often defined in stages, the loss of a spouse — especially after a long battle with cancer — may feel more like a roller coaster according to the American Cancer Society.
RELATED: Duane “Dog” Chapman Talks to SurvivorNet About Pain and Grief
The ups and downs can make it hard for the bereaved person to feel any sense of progress. A bereaved spouse may feel better for a while, only to become sad again. Some wonder how long the grieving process will last, and when they might find relief.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but it's common for the grief process to take a year or longer. Even as the pain may become less intense, it's normal to feel emotionally involved with the deceased for many years.
Reaching the acceptance stage and adjusting to the loss does not mean that all the pain is over. Grieving for someone who was close to you includes losing the future you expected with that person. This must also be mourned.
For The Love Of Beth
Cecily Chapman announced on Monday that a “remembrance of her beloved Mom Beth” will be held in Hawaii — and virtually on social media — on July 26th, marking the date of her mother’s death. “Prayer will take place on the beach and in the water,” Cecile announced on Instagram. Bring your boards and flowers so we can remember Mrs. Dog the right way.” For those not in Hawaii, Chapman suggests “go on a walk, hike and take a picture. Let’s make it viral. Post … using the #fortheloveofbeth hashtag!!!! ALOHA.”
John Duberstein, who lost his wife to breast cancer, explains how some of the toughest conversations during a cancer battle are some of the most important.
Beth Chapman's Cancer Journey
Beth Chapman was diagnosed with stage 2 throat cancer in 2017. After initial treatment, she was declared cancer free. But in 2018, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Beth did not tolerate chemotherapy well, Dog shared. Her hair began to fall out after just one round and her appetite disappeared, causing her weight to drop from 160 pounds to 107 pounds. She had flu-like symptoms, pain, and fatigue. She didn't feel "herself."
In 2019, Beth decided to forego cancer treatment, instead of choosing to spend her last months with her family doing what she loved most catching fugitives. When Beth made the decision to stop chemotherapy, her family supported her.
RELATED: Beth Chapman, Beloved Mother, Reality Star, and Wife of Duane 'Dog' Chapman is Dead at 51
"You can either live a quality life or a miserable life where you live longer," Dog said of Beth's decision. Ultimately, she prioritized her quality of life, and while it meant that she died perhaps sooner than she would have otherwise, Dog echoed what Bonnie had told us in a recent conversation: Beth was Beth right up until the end. She prioritized feeling like herself.
Beth died at age 51 in Honolulu, surrounded by family members. The Chapman family held two emotional memorial services, one in Hawaii and one in Aurora, Colo. The two locations were where most of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" was shot, and where they often spent their free time.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
