MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA: Duane 'Dog' Chapman, a well-known and controversial reality star, made a surprising revelation when he recently learned of the existence of another child. In a candid confession, Dog reflects on the profound impact of meeting his adult son for the first time and the deep symbolism associated with his secret son's birthday.

Dog expressed his feelings and chose a momentous day—the fourth anniversary of the death of his late wife Beth Chapman—to share his thoughts. Meeting his secret son changed his perception of this poignant date, giving it new meaning and renewing his understanding of family ties.

Who is Dog the Bounty Hunter's secret son?

"On this day, for the last four years, this day was a terrible reminder of one of the greatest losses of my life. But God redeemed this day when I discovered my son Jon, who I just met recently, was born on this day," Dog wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt picture featuring his adult son and his newly acquainted daughter-in-law, Jodi. With gratitude, he acknowledged the transformed meaning this day now holds, replacing sorrow with joy and significance. "The whole story of Jon is told in my new book, Nine Lives, and Counting, coming SOON," Dog added, taking the opportunity to promote his forthcoming memoir. In a message of hope for those who have suffered deep loss, he emphasized God's ability to restore and redeem. He concluded his contribution by wishing his son a happy birthday and expressed his love for Jon and Jodi.

How did Dog the Bounty Hunter's wife Beth Chapman die?

After dating on and off for many years since they met in 1986, Dog and Beth finally got married in 2006. Beth became well-known alongside her husband on their A&E reality show, which aired from 2004 to 2012. Unfortunately, Beth's health took a turn for the worse after she was initially diagnosed with Stage 2 throat cancer in November 2017. The cancer progressed to Stage 4.

Beth died tragically on June 26, 2019. Dog confirmed her death and shared a heartfelt tweet, saying, "It's 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain. Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side."

Who are Dog the Bounty Hunter's children?

The famous bounty hunter already had 12 children before he introduced the world to his newly discovered son. We don't know much about Jon or how he became Dog's son, but it looks like we'll learn more in Dog's upcoming memoir, which couldn't come at a better time. Dog has had some difficult relationships with his children in the past. He had his first child, Christopher Michael Hecht, with a woman named Debbie White when he was a teenager. Sadly, Dog didn't learn about his son until after White's death, and they didn't have contact until Christopher was an adult. His first ex-wife, La Fonda Sue Darnell, gave him two sons named Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Blane Chapman. Both followed in their father's footsteps and became bail bondsmen, appearing on his reality show.

Dog had three children with his second ex-wife, Ann Tegnell. Tragically, their son Zebadiah died only a month after his birth. They had two other sons, Wesley and James. With his third ex-wife, Lyssa Rae Brittain, Dog had his first daughter, Barbara Katie Chapman, who died in a car accident. They had two other children, Tucker Dee Chapman and Lyssa Rae Chapman. Tucker had a troubled past and was in prison for armed robbery. Dog and his late wife Beth had two children together, Bonnie Joanne Chapman and Garry Chapman. They also adopted Beth's daughter, Cecily Barmore-Chapman. Dog rose to fame after catching a serial rapist in Mexico, which brought him into the spotlight.