Dog The Bounty Hunter Talks Dating After Beth Chapman's Death: 'I Try Not To Be Alone'

Moving on after the death of a loved one is never easy, and nearly three months after his late wife’s passing, Dog The Bounty Hunter admits the hardest part of it all is being alone.

As we reported in June, Beth Chapman passed away at a hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii after losing her battle with throat and lung cancer. The beloved reality TV star was only 51.

On Tuesday, Dog — born Duane Chapman — spoke to Entertainment Tonight where he opened up about dealing with loneliness in the wake of Beth’s death. The Dog’s Most Wanted star candidly told the publication:

“It’s really hard alone, because as soon as you get alone, bam, it hits you. So, I try not to be alone.”

The former bail bondsman’s bounty-hunting team and children have reportedly been by his side as much as possible while they’re all grieving.

The 66-year-old explained how his inner circle understands he often needs time to himself to process the heartbreaking loss. But it can also be a problem…

“Sometimes they know I gotta be alone, but it hurts worse or you feel it more when you’re all alone.”

The honest conversation comes just one week after Dog spoke to Us Weekly and revealed he will never marry again following Beth’s death. He followed up on the statement with ET, noting he actually has not ruled out dating.

However, the bounty hunter also clarified the women he’s been photographed with lately aren’t his girlfriends, but he’s enjoying playing tricks on the paparazzi. He said:

“I walk by all these girls… I said, ‘Hey, Mama, I’ll make you famous.’ They’re not really my girlfriends. I’m not saying I’m not gonna have one, ’cause I will, [but] I’m not gonna get married.”

Well, that’s one way to approach the situation. As we told you, the reality TV personality sparked early dating rumors after he was spotted in Los Angeles having dinner with an unknown woman last month.

Beth and Dog’s 20-year-old daughter Bonnie Chapman immediately took to Instagram to defend her father’s actions. She penned:

“Pissed on my father’s behalf that he can’t go on a business dinner without someone speculating he’s on a date. Leave our family alone please. Leave my father alone, let him try to continue our business in peace.”

Despite everything, Dog says he plans to watch Beth’s battle with cancer play out onscreen, adding he’s got his “box of Kleenex” ready for their show’s September 4th premiere.

“The cancer thing, I see why victims of tragedies become advocates.”

Getting emotional, he added:

“Each religion, as I look to God for answers, has a different answer. I am so lonely.”

He also recalled trying to be “heroic” for his wife during her final days. He said:

“I did all these heroic things for her because I got loving, physical, kissy-kissy from her, and, ‘Big Daddy, I’m so proud of you.’ That’s why I was such a nut because I had to impress her… So, I’m still doing that. I’m not gonna jump in front of no train, but I’m still [putting myself out there].”

R.I.P. Beth. You will be missed.

[Image via Fayes Vision/WENN]