Duane Chapman promised to quit a nasty habit for Beth, but it was Francie who got him to follow through

An alarming diagnosis served as a wake-up call for Chapman, nudging him to reassess his lifestyle choices, particularly one addictive habit.
PUBLISHED JAN 26, 2025
Duane the 'Dog' Chapman at his book signing for 'You Can Run But You Can't Hide' at Borders bookstore in Hollywood. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Ted Soqui)
Duane the 'Dog' Chapman at his book signing for 'You Can Run But You Can't Hide' at Borders bookstore in Hollywood. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Ted Soqui)

Duane Chapman a.k.a. Dog the Bounty Hunter, was on a health journey with a primary focus on quitting smoking. The decision came after a serious health scare involving a pulmonary embolism that left him hospitalized. The reality star’s commitment to change was not just about personal health; it was also about honoring the memory of his late wife, Beth, and fulfilling promises made to her. Chapman’s health issues began when he experienced severe chest pain during a workout.



 

Initially, he thought it was just another episode of discomfort he had faced before, but this time it escalated to a point where he required medical attention. Doctors discovered a blood clot in his lungs, which posed a serious risk to his life. The diagnosis served as a wake-up call for Chapman, nudging him to reassess his lifestyle choices, particularly his smoking habit. In an interview, Chapman shared how Dr. Oz’s advice helped him quit smoking.



 

Moreover, Chapman’s new wife, Francie Frane, has been a prominent source of encouragement in his quest to quit smoking. She employed a strategy of love and positive reinforcement rather than pressure. In her view, constant nudging can lead to resistance rather than compliance. She revealed, "We all don't like change, especially when it comes to things that we have relied on for such a long time. And so my tactic is love and encouragement. I need him around for the next 20 years at least, so I just keep telling him that." She highlighted her desire for him to embrace healthier habits for their future together, as reported by People magazine.



 

Frane remarked, "I feel like when people are constantly picking at us, that it makes us do the opposite — [it makes us] want to do it, continue to do it more because we don't want to be picked at all the time. It's reverse psychology, maybe, and loving him out of cigarettes." Despite the challenges, her supportive approach has made a difference in Chapman’s mindset regarding quitting. He started smoking at just 12 years old and has relied on cigarettes throughout his life.

Duane
Duane the 'Dog' Chapman signs copies of his book 'You Can Run, But You Can't Hide' at Bookends on August 9, 2007 in Ridgewood, New Jersey. (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Jim Spellman)

As per Nicki Swift, during discussions on ‘The Dr. Oz Show,’ he admitted, "Well, I'm still smoking the first time in my whole life, about 5-6 a day. I'm studying this, there are certain things that set me off to smoke. For instance, after I eat, or in the morning when I drink coffee, I'm at that point now, but I have never, Doc, since I was 12 had only four or five cigarettes a day…I'm almost completely there and believe this or not, and I love you, but it's not why I'm saying it. I don't want to disappoint you and I don't want to disappoint my Francie. That right there will overcome anything. I'm using all those antidotes to be able to say, 'Yeah, I'm smoke-free, I quit smoking.'"

RELATED TOPICS DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix lifts the veil on Palm Beach’s most exclusive circles as ‘Members Only’ reveals the rules, rivalries, and secrets of elite society.
1 day ago
'The Road' on CBS featured 12 new voices judged by country music stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton
Dec 22, 2025
Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
Dec 18, 2025
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
Dec 18, 2025
Savannah Louie, Sophie Balerdi, and Sage Ahrens-Nichols were the final three contestants who competed for the title of 'Survivor' Season 49
Dec 18, 2025
The milestone 'Survivor' Season 50 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Dec 18, 2025
Aiden Ross claimed victory on 'The Voice' Season 28, marking Niall Horan’s undefeated streak as coach
Dec 17, 2025
The Top 6 who competed for the win were Aiden Ross, Jazz McKenzie, Ralph Edwards, Max Chambers, Aubrey Nicole, and DEK of Hearts
Dec 17, 2025
14-year-old Chambers entertained fans with his strong vocals after making a wild card entry into the 'The Voice' Season 28 finals
Dec 17, 2025
'The Voice' Season 29 is slated to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026
Dec 17, 2025