When people talk about reality TV’s most iconic bounty hunter, Duane “Dog” Chapman, the conversation often revolves around his tough persona, legal battles, and television fame. But before the spotlight, before the fame, there was La Fonda Sue Honeycutt — his first wife and the woman who played a pivotal role in the early chapters of his life.
Although La Fonda prefers to live a private life, curiosity about her background, relationship with Chapman, and life after their separation continues to grow. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything about La Fonda Sue Honeycutt — her early years, her marriage to Dog, their children, and what she’s been doing since then.
Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | La Fonda Sue Honeycutt |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1953 |
| Age | 72 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Pampa, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous As | First wife of Duane “Dog” Chapman |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Duane Chapman, 1977) |
| Current Spouse | Jim Darnell (remarried) |
| Children | Duane Lee Chapman II, Leland Blane Chapman |
| Grandchildren | Several, through her sons |
| Profession | Not publicly known (private life) |
| Residence | Texas, USA |
| Known For | Early connection to Duane Chapman and raising his two eldest son |
Who Is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt?
La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is best known as the first wife of Duane Lee “Dog” Chapman, the famous American bounty hunter and reality TV star. Unlike Chapman, who has spent most of his adult life in the public eye, La Fonda has remained private.
- Full Name: La Fonda Sue Honeycutt
- Born: January 20, 1953 (Pampa, Texas, USA)
- Known For: First wife of Duane “Dog” Chapman
- Children: Two sons with Chapman – Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman
Her story is important not just because of her marriage to Dog, but also because of the family legacy she helped build
Early Life of La Fonda Sue Honeycutt
La Fonda Sue Honeycutt was born in Pampa, Texas, on January 20, 1953. She spent her early life in Texas, where she grew up with family and friends before eventually meeting Duane Chapman.
There isn’t much publicly available about her childhood, but her small-town upbringing shaped her values of privacy and family — a stark contrast to her ex-husband’s flamboyant public lifestyle.
The Love Story: La Fonda and Duane Chapman
Marriage
La Fonda Sue Honeycutt married Duane Chapman on April 1, 1972, in Pampa, Texas. At the time, Chapman was a young man trying to build a life while battling personal struggles.
Their relationship was filled with ups and downs, shaped by Duane’s run-ins with the law and challenges with stability.
Children
Together, La Fonda and Duane had two sons:
- Duane Lee Chapman II – born in 1973
- Leland Blane Chapman – born in 1976
Both sons later became bounty hunters themselves, following in their father’s footsteps and appearing in the reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter.
The Divorce: What Happened Between La Fonda and Dog?
La Fonda’s marriage with Chapman ended in 1977, after five years. Their divorce was directly connected to Duane’s imprisonment for murder in the first degree.
The Incident
In 1976, Duane Chapman was present at a drug deal gone wrong, during which one of his associates shot and killed a man. Though Duane did not pull the trigger, he was convicted of first-degree murder for his involvement. He served 18 months of a 5-year sentence in a Texas prison.
During this time, La Fonda decided to divorce him.
Custody of Children
After the divorce, La Fonda gained custody of their two sons. She later remarried, and her children spent much of their youth with their stepfather until reconnecting with Dog as adults.
Life After Duane Chapman
After her split from Dog, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt remarried Jim Darnell, and they built a private family life. Unlike Dog’s later wives who often shared the spotlight, La Fonda has chosen to stay away from cameras and interviews.
She remains known primarily through her children’s connection to their father and the TV world.
Relationship With Her Children
La Fonda’s sons, Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman, became well-known bounty hunters and TV personalities through their father’s reality shows.
Despite Dog’s fame, it’s La Fonda who raised them during their formative years.
- Duane Lee Chapman II: Worked in bounty hunting and appeared in the reality series before eventually leaving the show.
- Leland Chapman: Established himself as a professional bail bondsman and bounty hunter in Hawaii and Alabama.
Her parenting and influence played a huge role in shaping the men they became.
Where Is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt Now?
As of today, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt lives a quiet, private life away from media attention. Unlike other figures connected to Duane Chapman, she has no desire to remain in the limelight.
She reportedly continues to live in Texas and maintains a close relationship with her children and grandchildren.
La Fonda vs. Dog Chapman’s Later Wives
For context, Dog Chapman was married five more times after La Fonda:
- Ann Tegnell
- Lyssa Rae Brittain
- Tawny Marie Chapman
- Beth Smith Chapman (his most famous marriage, until her passing in 2019)
- Francie Frane (married in 2021)
Unlike Beth Chapman, who shared the public stage with Dog for years, La Fonda preferred privacy. She represents the quiet foundation of Dog’s early family life, long before television fame.
FAQs
1. Who is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt?
She is the first wife of bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman, known for their two sons, Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman.
2. When was La Fonda married to Dog Chapman?
They married in 1972 and divorced in 1977 after Dog’s prison sentence.
3. Does La Fonda have children?
Yes, she has two sons with Dog Chapman: Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman.
4. Is La Fonda still alive?
Yes, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is still alive and living a private life.
5. Where does La Fonda live now?
She is believed to reside in Texas, away from the media spotlight.
6. Did La Fonda ever appear on Dog the Bounty Hunter?
No, she has never appeared on the show and has avoided media appearances.
Timeline of La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Born in Pampa, Texas |
| 1972 | Married Duane “Dog” Chapman |
| 1973 | Birth of son Duane Lee Chapman II |
| 1976 | Birth of son Leland Chapman |
| 1977 | Divorced Duane Chapman |
| 1980s+ | Remarried Jim Darnell, raised family |
| Present | Living privately in Texas |
Chapman? A Complete Biography])
Conclusion
La Fonda Sue Honeycutt may not be a public figure like her ex-husband, Duane “Dog” Chapman, but her role in his life — as his first wife and the mother of his children — is undeniable. She represents the earliest chapter in Dog’s journey, the one that took place before fame, cameras, and headlines.
Her decision to live a private, family-centered life shows her strength and independence, and her legacy continues through her sons and grandchildren.
