Duane Chapman's new girlfriend, Francie Frane, has been mindful of Beth's memory and her kids, the family says.
Duane Chapman has been through a difficult year since losing his wife of 13 years and fellow bounty hunter, Beth. He was by her side when she was diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 2017 and when she went into remission. He was also with her when her cancer returned in November 2018 and she was rushed to the hospital. He was right by her side when she passed away in June 2019. The last couple of years have been all about going back and forth to the hospital and living in fear for "Dog" the Bounty Hunter. While he fought criminals and brought them to justice, everything was going topsy turvy in his personal life.
For someone who has gone through so much pain, it might not seem like you will ever recover from it. The grief can be all-consuming and moving on can seem harder. However, when someone finds a ray of sunlight into this dark abyss, there is no shame in grabbing on to it. Chapman, who recently revealed that he has a new girlfriend, Francie Frane, has also found a grief partner in her. Frane, who lost her husband to cancer a few months before Chapman lost Beth, has been a positive influence on his life.
In a recent post on Instagram, he shared a photo of his new lady love, and captioned it, "I scream & Cry Beth where are you why did you leave me then I look up & see you Francie & the pain turns to a smile I LOVE YOU WOMAN !!"
He not only acknowledged his love for his former partner but also declared his love for Frane in the social media post. He told the Sun UK that his relationship with Frane was going really well. "It's a God relationship because it's just like a miracle. It's a miracle how we met and it's a miracle how great we're getting along," he said.
Chapman met Frane, a 51-year-old rancher from Colorado, when he called her home to speak to her husband Bob for some work but unbeknownst to him Bob had passed away. They connected over their grief and have been spending more time together. The bounty hunter's family approves of his choice and believes that Beth would have liked Frane too.
"They are both so happy together and they are good for each other. Francie has been very respectful to all the kids - and to Beth's memory - and my dad is the same way with Bob and their children," his daughter, Lyssa, told the Sun UK. "Beth would approve - I honestly believe that Beth sent Francie for my dad - I feel like Beth and Bob are up there watching down over them," she added.
However, many fans have criticized the Chapman patriarch for moving on "too soon." They had hoped that he would keep Beth's wish of her being the last Mrs. Chapman, but it seems that Frane would hold that title. After his latest Instagram post, his fans are once again rallying for him and wishing him well for his future with Frane.
One Instagram user said, "May you never forget Beth. Having a woman who encourages you to remember your lost love is a wonderful woman." Another person said, "So good you make that move bro, at the end of day Beth would want you to be happy, you know that, peace Duane." The positive wishes have been pouring in for the bereaved bounty hunter since his post.
"Hugs to you Dog!! Can’t imagine what your going thorough! My mum lost her one and only love 4 years ago and she still struggles! Do what makes you happy! There’s a reason you and Francie are together you both need each other! I am sure Beth would be happy for you and Beth knows you need someone and this is the angel she sent for you!!" said another follower.
Previously, Chapman had shared a photo of him going on a walk with Frane and captioned it, "Out enjoying today’s beautiful weather with Lola the bulldog. We walk by faith, not by sight. Living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises. 2 Corinthians 5:7." He also spent time with Frane on her ranch as well as fishing.
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