As Yellowstone fans gear up for the next chapter in the Dutton saga, new details about the Kayce Dutton–centered spinoff, Y: Marshals, have raised one shocking question — where is Monica Dutton?

The upcoming CBS series, which follows Luke Grimes’ Kayce as he joins an elite U.S. Marshals unit, will explore his new life away from the Yellowstone ranch. But it seems that life may no longer include Kelsey Asbille’s Monica — a revelation that’s leaving fans heartbroken and full of speculation.

Monica Dutton Is Not Part of Y: Marshals

According to the confirmed cast list, Kelsey Asbille will not return as Monica Dutton in Y: Marshals. While the spinoff promises to focus on Kayce’s internal struggle between “family, duty, and the high psychological cost of justice,” only part of his family is joining him on screen.

Returning characters include Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater, Mo Brings Plenty as Mo, and Brecken Merrill as Tate — Kayce and Monica’s son. The absence of Monica, however, hints at a painful chapter that will have to be addressed early in the series.

What Happened to Monica?

Fans are already speculating on two possible explanations: either Kayce and Monica are separated or divorced, or Monica has died.

In Yellowstone Season 5, Monica suffered a devastating car accident that resulted in the death of her infant son, John Dutton IV. The emotional toll on her marriage was profound, even though she and Kayce appeared to be rebuilding their bond by the end of the season.

Her absence in Y: Marshals could suggest that the trauma ultimately proved too much. Divorce would mark a tragic but realistic outcome, while Monica’s death would be an even darker twist — one that could explain Kayce’s emotional isolation and drive for justice in the spinoff.

What Her Absence Means for Kayce

Whether through loss or separation, Monica’s absence will define Kayce’s evolution in Y: Marshals. His relationship with her was a cornerstone of Yellowstone, shaping his moral compass and sense of identity. Without her grounding presence, Kayce will have to navigate grief, guilt, and the heavy responsibilities of his new role.

In early promos for the spinoff, Kayce is seen saying he’s “changing paths and looking for a new beginning,” signaling that Y: Marshals will not only shift genres — blending Yellowstone’s Western grit with procedural storytelling — but will also mark a major emotional reset for his character.

Could Kayce Find New Love?

With two new female marshals joining the series, some fans wonder if Kayce may eventually find romance again. While that idea may seem too soon after the apparent end of his marriage, it could offer the character a way to rebuild his life and confront his emotional scars.

Still, any new connection would inevitably be haunted by the memory of Monica, a character whose influence shaped Kayce’s heart and choices from the very beginning.

The End of an Era

If Y: Marshals truly closes the door on Monica Dutton, it marks the end of one of Yellowstone’s most enduring relationships. Their love story — filled with pain, forgiveness, and survival — defined much of Kayce’s humanity. Now, as he takes on the role of lawman and protector, he’ll have to face life without the woman who helped define his soul.