- Primary Subject: Kayce Dutton and Monica in Marshals
- Key Update: Following the series premiere, it is revealed that Monica has passed away from cancer, leading Kayce to join the US Marshals.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 2, 2026
- Quick Answer: Monica died of cancer prior to the events of Marshals. Kayce is now a widower raising Tate alone while serving in an elite unit.
Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) has finally begun a new life in the newly released Yellowstone spinoff, Marshals.
Officially premiering on CBS on March 1, the show follows the much-loved former US Navy SEAL as he leaves his life as a rancher behind to join an elite unit of US Marshals.
But as he moves on from Yellowstone, fans are now wondering what happened to his wife, Monica (Kelsey Asbille).
So, where does Kayce and Monica’s relationship stand now that Marshals has begun?
What Happened to Kayce and Monica?
In Yellowstone, Kayce was living on the Broken Rock Reservation with Monica and their son, Tate (Brecken Merrill). Despite everything that had happened, the couple remained by each other’s side.
However, the status of their relationship is now unknown in Marshals. So, what really happened?
Monica was known for wanting to keep Tate away from the Dutton family, believing he would be safer if kept distant, especially after she suffered a traumatic brain injury while breaking up a school fight in Yellowstone Season 1.
She then left Kayce and moved into an apartment with Tate. While Kayce tried to save their marriage, Monica had a brief romance with her physical therapist, Martin (Martin Sensmeier).
Despite this, the two eventually reunited, and Kayce, Monica, and Tate returned to the Dutton Ranch.
Monica later became pregnant with their second child in Yellowstone Season 5. Tragically, while driving to the hospital with Tate during early labor, she accidentally hit a buffalo in the middle of the road.
Although Monica and Tate survived with only injuries, the baby, named John, died an hour after birth.
Where is Monica in Marshals?
While Kayce and Monica didn’t end their relationship until Yellowstone ended, she is no longer part of the spinoff, Marshals.
The series continues Kayce’s story after the original show, with him and his son, Tate, living on the East Camp ranch.
Although the exact number of years that have passed isn’t revealed, it is clear from the start that Monica has already passed away.
Early theories speculated that her death was hinted at in the trailer. But unlike other Dutton family members who suffer violent and tragic deaths, Monica died of natural causes – cancer.
In the premiere episode of Marshals, Kayce joins his Navy SEAL friend Pete (Logan Marshall-Green) while on duty during a demonstration on the Broken Rock Reservation, where protestors were speaking out against a government mine linked to cancer cases among local residents.
Here, Tate is seen holding a photo of his mother, Monica, while participating in the protest.
Meanwhile, Kayce talks with Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo (Mo Brings Plenty), who recall Monica’s funeral and remind him that her spirit is still with him. Later, Kayce visits Monica’s grave and says:
“I miss my wife—my best friend, my only friend. I’ve been so lost. The best part of me died with you. You always told me to fight for the life I wanted, but I already had it—it was with you. I’m changing paths, trying to find a new beginning for myself and Tate.”
With Monica gone and Kayce continuing his story, the spinoff hints that he may eventually meet someone new as Marshals progresses.
Marshals airs every Sunday on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.
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