'DO THIS RIGHT'
Dog The Bounty Hunter holds huge memorial for wife Beth Chapman on Hawaii beach following her death from cancer last week
DOG the Bounty Hunter has hosted a large memorial in Hawaii for late wife Beth Chapman who died of cancer.
The 51-year-old wife of Duane Chapman died on Wednesday after a battle with cancer.
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Beth was given a memorial "paddle out" send-off yesterday.
Dozens of family, friends and fans gathered on Fort DeRussy Beach and recorded the memorial on their phones before sharing it to social media.
A paddle out is usually done to remember someone who died while surfing, but it has been adopted internationally.
Mourners "paddle out" on a surfboard or a flotation device.
Once they get out far enough, mourners form a circle or line and sometimes place a wreath of flowers in the ocean.
Duane said his wife asked to be memorialised in Hawaii because it was her favourite place on earth.
The TV star said: "She said, 'Please Hawaiian style … please do this right'.
"She loved Hawaii and she loved people. The people mostly she loved."
'PLEASE DO THIS RIGHT'
Mourners also performed the traditional Hawaiian "oli" chant, following Beths' wishes.
The oli is a custom chant used in Hawaii to make important announcements like births, deaths, weddings and other celebratory occasions.
Beth planned her memorial service before her death and had explained to her family she wanted funerals to be open to the public in both Hawaii and Colorado - where she lived with her husband.
The family is said to cremate her body and scatter the ashes in an undetermined location.
Beth's cancer battle is what made her plan her funeral ahead of time, .
A source close to the Chapman family told TMZ: "Dog and Beth's children had several discussions with her about her memorial arrangements if she died."
Details of the funeral in Colorado have yet to be announced.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Dog the Bounty Hunter reveals Beth Chapman’s dying words were ‘say it again, say it more’ as he breaks down at gates of family home
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