If you spent any part of the mid-2000s glued to A&E, you know "Baby Lyssa." She was the fierce, no-nonsense daughter of Duane "Dog" Chapman, navigating the high-stakes world of bail bonds while the cameras caught every family blowout and bounty capture. But the version of Lyssa Chapman we see in 2026 is a universe away from that chaotic reality TV persona. Honestly, her evolution—and her relationship with Leiana Evensen—is probably the most grounded thing to come out of the Chapman family legacy.
Forget the scripted drama. The real story here isn't about handcuffs or high-speed chases. It’s about a woman who survived a fairly brutal childhood in the public eye and finally found a sense of peace that actually looks... normal.
The Hawaii Wedding Heard Round the World (Sorta)
On June 3, 2022, Lyssa Chapman and Leiana Evensen got married. They didn't do the big, bloated celebrity spectacle you might expect. No massive guest list. No TV crew. Basically, they just hopped on a boat at 7:00 AM in Hawaii with seven of their absolute closest people and said "I do" in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
It was low-key. It was intimate. They literally stood with their feet in the water, framed by the Ko'olau mountain range. Lyssa later described it as a "dream day" where the water was like a glassy mirror. You’ve probably seen the photos—they both wore white, and there were flower crowns (Lei Po'o) everywhere.
But the detail most people fixate on is who wasn't there.
Duane "Dog" Chapman didn't make the ceremony. Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin assuming there was some massive feud or homophobic fallout. In reality? Dog was on FaceTime the whole morning. The guy just couldn't handle being in Hawaii. Since his wife Beth passed away in 2019, he’s found it incredibly painful to return to the islands where they built their life together. It’s a messy, human reason that doesn't fit into a neat "family rift" headline, but that’s life.
Who is Leiana Evensen?
People always ask "Who is the girl Lyssa married?" because Leiana isn't a reality star. She’s a Hawaii native with a background that is refreshingly un-Hollywood.
Leiana is deep into the health and fitness world. She’s worked as a fitness director and has a serious background in exercise science. If you follow them on social media, you’ll see she’s the one usually dragging the family out for adventures or keeping things balanced.
The two actually met because of a tanning salon. They owned one together for a while, but their connection was pretty instant. They even share the exact same birthday—same day, same year. It’s one of those "meant to be" coincidences that makes for great dinner party stories.
Business, Babies, and the "Normal" Life
Lyssa isn't chasing fugitives anymore. She’s a businesswoman. She’s been running her clothing line, BABY by Lyssa Chapman, which is basically a collection of "mom-friendly" staples. It’s a far cry from the tactical gear she used to wear.
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She’s also a mom to two daughters, Abbie Mae and Madalynn. If you’ve followed Lyssa's story, you know her path to motherhood was anything but easy—she had Abbie at 15 under some pretty dark circumstances. Seeing her now, co-parenting and building a stable life with Leiana, feels like a hard-won victory.
Why this relationship matters in the Chapman orbit:
- Stability: In a family known for multiple marriages and public spats, Lyssa and Lei have stayed remarkably drama-free.
- The LGBTQ+ Factor: Lyssa has become a quiet advocate. She’s been open about the fact that while her dad’s religious beliefs might be traditional, he’s never been anything but supportive of her and Lei.
- Privacy: They share enough to keep fans happy, but they don’t sell their private lives to the highest bidder.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Lyssa "left" her family or her past. She didn't. She just outgrew the version of herself that the public owned. She’s still "Baby Lyssa" to the fans, but she’s Lyssa Chapman-Evensen in the real world.
She’s also been a huge part of keeping Beth Chapman's legacy alive, often posting tributes that show how much her stepmother’s influence still carries her through. It’s a reminder that even when families move on and remarry, the roots are still there.
Moving Forward in 2026
So, what’s next? Honestly, more of the same, which is exactly what they seem to want. They’re living in Hawaii, focusing on their health, their kids, and their businesses.
If you’re looking to follow their journey or support what they’re doing, here are a few ways to keep up without falling for the tabloid clickbait:
Support the Business
Check out the BABY by Lyssa Chapman line. It’s designed for busy women who want to look put together without trying too hard—something Lyssa clearly mastered after years of being under a microscope.
Focus on the Mental Health Aspect
Lyssa has been very vocal about her past struggles with trauma and addiction. Her book, Walking on Eggshells, is still a solid read for anyone trying to understand how she navigated the "chaos" of her early years. It gives a lot of context to why her current life with Leiana is such a big deal.
Ignore the "Feud" Rumors
Every time Dog posts something or one of the siblings has a spat, people look to Lyssa for a comment. Usually, she stays out of it. Follow her lead—focus on the growth and the positive vibes she’s putting out rather than the recycled reality TV drama.
Life after reality TV is usually a train wreck. For Lyssa Chapman and Leiana Evensen, it’s actually been a redemption arc. They’ve proven that you can be part of a famous, messy family and still build a quiet, happy corner for yourself.