Monica’s absence from the ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff has fans fearing the worst for Kayce’s wife

When Yellowstone concluded back in 2024, fans were sad to say goodbye to the Duttons and the folks that made the Yellowstone Ranch what it was—but thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s endless creativity, most of their stories didn’t end there. With countless spinoffs in the works, the one we’re perhaps most excited about is Marshals,which takes us along on Kayce’s journey after the events of Yellowstone’s final episode. Set to release on March 1, while the show’s plot has been revealed and a trailer gave a glimpse at what’s to come, folks still have questions—one of the biggest ones being where Kayce’s wife, Monica, is. While their son Tate (played by Brecken Merrill) was listed amongst the cast bringing this show to life and appeared in the debut trailer, Kelsey Asbille, who portrays Monica, did not appear to be listed as part of the cast, nor could she be seen in the trailer. Here, we dive into Monica’s potential fate and what fans are speculating might be the outcome in Marshals Season 1. 

What is ‘Marshals’ going to be about?

In Marshals, Kayce begins a thrilling new chapter where he combines his cowboy prowess with his elite military skills he acquired during his service. Joining a team of US Marshals in Montana, it’s up to him and his new crew to keep the place they call home safe. With threats at nearly every turn, the stress of the job certainly leaves its mark, especially as he attempts to balance his newfound duty with his role as a father and friend. 

“I fought every day to get out from under the weight of the Yellowstone,” Kayce says in the show’s trailer. “I lost my teammates, my parents—even my brothers. I know that sometimes good men have to do bad things—but I’m trying to find a new beginning.”

What happened to Monica in ‘Marshals’?

Being that Kelsey Asbille’s name isn’t listed in the show’s credits and she didn’t appear in the show’s trailer, fans have been speculating what could have possibly led to her absence. In terms of her and Kayce’s marriage, based on the way Yellowstone ended, it seemed as though their relationship was in a good place as they took on the next chapter together, which for many, has eliminated the theory that they split up for some reason. That being said, many have drawn the conclusion that her character has died, which ultimately led Kayce to take on this new job, marking a fresh start for the Dutton son. Additionally, in the show’s trailer, Kayce is seen sitting in front of a headstone, also prompting fans to speculate that it is Monica’s. 

Fans on Reddit have theories about Monica’s fate in ‘Marshals’

On Reddit, some viewers have elaborated on their theories regarding Monica’s absence—and they’re a little bit heartbreaking. “I think we can officially infer she is dead. A couple of months ago, someone in here posted a grave prop they came across while hiking. It had her name on it,” explained one Reddit user. “The recent trailer shows Kayce placing flowers on a makeshift grave. Upon examination, it’s the exact grave site that bore her name in the past post. As others have said, my guess is that her death will be the driving force of him joining the Marshals.” Another Reddit user added, “There has to be a sudden, dramatic shift to change the way we saw Kayce end things in Yellowstone to propel the plot forward for Marshals. He has skills and him using them to track down Monica’s killer, but finding a way to build a new family,” they explained. 

While we’ll have to wait until Marshals premieres on March 1 to learn Monica’s true fate, one thing is certain: Kayce’s journey will honor the love and strength that defined his relationship with her. Whether she’s watching over him from above or the show has a surprise twist in store, fans can look forward to seeing Luke Grimes bring depth and heart to this new chapter—and perhaps, just perhaps, there’s hope for a few flashbacks that bring Monica back to our screens, even if just for a moment.