Lyssa Rae Brittain: Lyssa Chapmans mother Duane Chapmans ex-Wife

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Lyssa Rae Brittain, fondly known as Big Lyssa, captured the spotlight through her connection with the renowned TV personality Duane Chapman, the star of Dog The Bounty Hunter. However, Lyssa’s journey is a tale of strength and determination that goes beyond her famous ex-husband.

Born on July 15, 1954, in Denver, Colorado, Lyssa Rae Brittain is now 69 years old. Her educational journey took her from Denver High School to the University of Colorado, where she earned a degree in business. Her entrepreneurial spirit began to shine in 1977 when she took the reins of her father’s business.

As for her net worth, it’s estimated to be around $500,000, amassed through her business endeavours.

Lyssa Rae Brittain’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. She went through two failed marriages, the first to an Assemblies of God minister, which ended due to infidelities in 1988. She crossed paths with Duane Chapman while still technically married to her first husband, leading to their union on January 6, 1982. Duane’s notoriety stemmed from his past criminal convictions and his later fame as a bounty hunter.

Their marriage, however, lasted only nine years before they divorced, the reasons for which remain undisclosed. Following their separation, Lyssa’s children faced challenging times, including issues like substance abuse. Eventually, custody of the children went to their father, and shocking revelations of abuse emerged.

Despite these trials, Lyssa Rae Brittain is now a grandmother to three children: Abbie Mae Chapman, Madalynn Grace Galanti, and Travis Drake-Lee Chapman.

Duane Chapman’s family tree extends wide, with twelve children from various marriages. His oldest son, Christopher Michael Hect, was born in July 1969. His first marriage to La Fonda Sue Honeycutt produced two sons: Duane Lee Chapman Jr. and Leland Blane. After marrying Anne M. Tegnell in 1979, he welcomed three sons: Zebadiah, Wesley, and James.

During his marriage to Lyssa, their first child, Barbara Katie, was born in 1982. Tragically, she lost her life in a car accident in Fairbank, Alaska, in 2006. Tucker Dee, born in 1983, and Baby Lyssa, born in 1987, are Lyssa Rae Brittain’s other children.

Duane Chapman’s most well-known marriage was to Alice Elizabeth “Beth” Barmore (Smith) in 2006. They had two children, Bonnie Johanne and Garry, and Duane also adopted Beth’s daughter, Cecily Barmore. Sadly, Beth Smith passed away from throat cancer on June 26, 2019.

In the face of life’s challenges and twists, Lyssa Rae Brittain’s story is a testament to resilience and the strength of the human spirit, inspiring us all to keep moving forward.

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