Family of Beth Chapman to say goodbye with Hawaiian memorial service after Dog The Bounty Hunter star loses cancer battle
TRAGIC Beth Chapman’s family will say goodbye in a traditional Hawaiian memorial service after she lost her battle with cancer. The 51-year-old – married to TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter – passed away this week in Honolulu after an 18-month fight with lung and throat cancer. Her daughter Cecily and stepdaughter Lyssa Chapman have now […]
TRAGIC Beth Chapman’s family will say goodbye in a traditional Hawaiian memorial service after she lost her battle with cancer.
The 51-year-old – married to TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter – passed away this week in Honolulu after an 18-month fight with lung and throat cancer.
Her daughter Cecily and stepdaughter Lyssa Chapman have now revealed Beth will now have a moving memorial service that will be open to the public tomorrow.
Mourners can gather on Fort DeRussy Beach in Waikiki to say their goodbyes – with a traditional Hawaiian ‘Oli chant followed by prayers and a paddle in the ocean due to take place.
Beth’s family have asked those attending bring ocean-friendly flowers that can be thrown into the sea.
A statement said: “Beth had two homes Hawaii and Colardo. ‘I love Hawaii the most,’ she said, so she will be sent off in true Hawaiian style, with aloha.
“Duane Chapman is also finalising plans for a memorial service in Colarado and details will be announced shortly. Those wishing to post photos and videos are asked to tag with #alohaoemrsdog.”
TRAGIC DEATH
The daughters explained Oe means ‘you’ in Hawaiian and is often used alongside Aloha to say goodbye to someone.
Lyssa said: “We would like to do some sort of water paddle out, we know that for sure.
“It actually makes us feel, you know, warm, to know how much our mother was loved.”
Husband Dog – real name Duane Chapman – broke the devastating news Beth had died on Twitter, with his new show revealing tender moments between him and his wife in her final days.
He said: “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’.
“And then she, you know, she told the girls and everybody with her mouth and stuff she said I love you guys, are you guys all okay? But she never accepted it.”
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
Daughter Bonnie also led tributes in a series of tweets – starting off by writing: “Love you forever mom. You’ve got a halo now.”
She continued: “I’ll never forget you, mama. You were such a strong woman, and you taught me to always be strong. You were strong for everyone, and you taught me it’s okay to let go.
“I’d never thought I’d lose my mom at 20. I told her I thought she had a couple years left, but in her eyes she disagreed.”
Beth’s other daughter Cecily also paid tribute saying she was going to keep her mum’s “bunny key forever”.
The keychain was notorious with Beth, who could frequently be seen carrying it on TV.
CANCER BATTLE
Beth had undergone a number of hospital admissions in recent months, and earlier this week was placed in a medically induced coma.
She was first diagnosed with stage two throat cancer in November 2017 and later developed stage-four lung cancer.
Her final days will be revealed in new show Dog’s Most Wanted – airing on US channel WGN.
Touching scenes in the trailer show Beth stood by her husband of 12 years as he discusses her illness.
He says: “My wife, the love of my life is fighting for her life, and instead of being at home helping her, I’m out here looking for you.”
FINAL DAYS
Dog adds: “So I’m warning you, in advance, may God have mercy on you when I catch you… because I won’t.”
Poignant shots show Beth’s hospital bed and a close up photo of the couple – before Dog is seen leaning in for a tender kiss.
The release date has not yet been announced as some scenes were still being shot when Beth passed away.
Duane shot to fame in 2004 with Dog The Bounty Hunter, a reality series chronicling his experiences locating and arresting people who had breached their bail agreements.
The show was an instant hit, with viewers drawn in by Chapman’s street smarts, his team, and his attempts to rehabilitate and counsel the people he was able to track down.
MOST READ IN NEWS
It ended in 2012 after eight seasons and was replaced in 2013 by Dog and Beth: On The Hunt, a spin-off series starring both Duane and Beth.
The couple tied the knot in 2006 and became great-grandparents earlier this year.
She was last seen in public celebrating Palm Sunday over the Easter Weekend in April, and shared a smiling photo of herself dolled up for the occasion on Instagram.
