Daisy from The Dukes of Hazzard Admits gaining "a Little Weight after Spouse's Death Sh (2024)

Publish date: 2024-07-12

John Schneider, Catherine Bach, and Tom Wopat | Catherine Bach | Source: Getty Images

• Catherine Bach, most popularly known for playing the sassy Daisy in "The Dukes of Hazzard," stunned everyone with her "ageless" appearance at 69.
• The actress admitted after her husband's death that she had put on a little weight but was seen working out years ago, which helped her shed the pounds.
• Bach got candid talking about the agonizing loss of the love of her life and how she handled it.

On April 30, 2010, Catherine Bach, known for her role as sassy Daisy from "The Dukes of Hazzard," experienced a life-shattering event that forever changed her seemingly great life. Her beloved husband, Peter Lopez, a prominent music industry attorney, tragically committed suicide at 60, leaving her devastated.

In a March 2012 interview, Bach, then 59, expressed her shock and heartbreak over her husband's death, referring to him as the love of her life. She described his death as a "sucker punch" and confessed that she had never seen it coming. Despite the immense pain, she eventually found solace and healing. She took on her first acting job since the tragic incident, playing Anita Lawson on the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless."

American actress Catherine Bach is seen on the set of the television show, 'The Dukes of Hazzard' circa July 1980. | Source: Getty Images

During an interview in July 2013, Bach recalled the last day she saw her husband alive. It was a typical day in their busy lives; she was preparing breakfast while he worked crazy hours due to his demanding career in the music industry. Lopez would visit studios and work with various artists, making big deals for clients such as Michael Jackson, including putting together the "This Is It" tour.

The three of them found strength in supporting each other during their difficult time.

On that fateful morning, Bach rushed around the kitchen when Lopez playfully reminded her that she had forgotten something. She turned to him, and they embraced, exchanging their daily "I love you." However, due to the hectic morning, they didn't have time to say much more before he left to drive their kids to school.

Catherine Bach poses candidly alongside her husband, Peter Lopez, in March 2002. | Source: Getty Images

Regrettably, it was the last time she saw him alive. Later that day, Lopez reportedly took his own life, leaving Bach and their daughters utterly devastated. He had been the pillar of their happy family unit, and his absence left an immense void that could never be filled.

To understand the tragedy and cope with her grief, Bach delved into research about suicide, seeking answers to the unexplainable act. She mentioned her plan to take a course on suicide to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Reflecting on her husband's death, Bach speculated that his childhood abuse might have played a part in his decision to take his life. She believed that despite his success, intelligence, and popularity, he may have been deeply affected by unresolved trauma from his past.

Losing Lopez was a profound and heartbreaking experience for Bach and her daughters. Despite trying to heal and move forward, the pain of his loss remained bittersweet, as he had been an irreplaceable presence in their lives. The tragedy forever changed Bach's perspective on life, leading her to focus on her acting career to heal and find closure.

Peter Lopez and Catherine Bach are pictured on the red carpet at Warner Bros. Lot, Stage 6 in Burbank, California | Source: Getty Images

Catherine Bach's Fight with Weight Gain

Two years after her husband's tragic death, Bach opened up about rebuilding her life with her daughters. The support from friends, including her "The Dukes of Hazzard" co-star John Schneider, and grief therapy played a crucial role in helping them establish a new routine.

Bach acknowledged that she was guiding the ship for her family and made sure to talk about her late husband, Lopez, so her daughters could also express their feelings. While she didn't grieve in front of them, she openly discussed her sadness with them. The three of them found strength in supporting each other during their difficult time.

Actress Catherine Bach visits Hallmark's "Home & Family" at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 22, 2019 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine Bach is seen on August 30, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The "Cannonball Run II" alum also admitted that she had "put on a little weight" over the years but had no qualms about it. She was once known for her athletic figure, which she maintained by dancing three hours daily, hiking, and swimming. Dieting was not the reason behind her slim physique; she considered herself an athlete. Even though her figure had changed over the years, Bach remained confident and accepting of her body.

In a bid to reclaim her shape, Bach was spotted vacationing in Hawaii with her children in April 2016, engaging in various physical activities like running, yoga, swimming, and rowing. She worked hard to get back in shape as she did years ago when she focused on her fitness routine.

Tragically, her husband's suicide had deeply affected her, and the emotional turmoil might have contributed to the weight gain. However, she was determined to put her life back together and care for herself and her two daughters.

Catherine Bach is seen on October 3, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine Bach is seen on March 25, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

How Does Daisy from "The Dukes of Hazzard" Look at 69?

In photos shared on her Instagram in June and July 2023, Bach, now 69, showcased her raw beauty, prompting an outpouring of admiration from her fans.

Some users mentioned that she looked amazing and had stayed the same since they first saw her 40 years ago. One fan asked about her time on "The Young & the Restless," praising her ageless look.

Others described Bach as a timeless beauty, destined to remain beautiful forever. They commented that it seemed time stood still for her, appreciating her sweet and captivating demeanor.

A netizen praised Catherine Bach's youthful look | Source: instagram.com/catherinebach

A commenter praised Catherine Bach for looking amazing | Source: instagram.com/catherinebach

An online user called Catherine Bach a "timeless beauty." | Source: instagram.com/catherinebach

In September 2016, sources reported that Bach looked as phenomenal as ever, even though she retired her iconic denim cutoffs three decades ago. The then-62-year-old actress stepped out with her stunning daughter, Sophia, then 20. The duo dined at Craig's celebrity hot spot in West Hollywood, showcasing their lovely bond and elegant charm.

During the outing, Bach, whose birth name is Catherine Bachman, exuded grace in a plunging black dress that accentuated her ample bosom. The figure-hugging dress reached just below her knee, cinched at the waist with a thin, black leather belt. Completing her chic monochrome ensemble, she carried a black quilted Chanel handbag and wore pointed-toe kitten heels, adding a dainty gold necklace for a touch of sparkle.

A user praised Catherine Bach's "ageless beauty" | Source: instagram.com/catherinebach

Her eldest daughter, Sophia, looked equally stylish in skintight black trousers that emphasized her long, slender legs. She paired the trousers with a semi-sheer feminine white lace top, showcasing her natural beauty with a fresh-faced look and flawless complexion.

Beyond her time with Sophia, Bach is also a devoted mother to another daughter, Laura. Born to Bach and her husband of 19 years, Sophia holds a special place in the family.

In a heartwarming Instagram post from December 2015, Laura celebrated her older sister, Sophia, on her birthday, referring to her as her beautiful best friend. With both daughters now all grown up, their bond remains strong, and their family connection is evident in the love they share.

In another Instagram post from July 2023, Bach shared a touching moment with her daughter Laura. The post featured a picture of Laura bottle-feeding their adorable puppy, Luigi, while they were together at home. The post showcased the affectionate relationship between Bach and her daughter, demonstrating the love and care that continues to bind them as a family.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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