Luke Grimes called Kelsey Asbille about Monica Dutton's 'Marshals' fate

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 9:11 PM UTC

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Spoiler warning! This story contains details of the "Marshals" premiere now streaming on Paramount+.

Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) has an emotional conversation with the spirit of his deceased wife, Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille), in the March 1 premiere of "Marshals" (now streaming on Paramount+).

It was almost as difficult for Grimes to discuss Monica's death in real life with his "Yellowstone" co-star Asbille. Grimes phoned Asbille, who'd shared so much with him since "Yellowstone" premiered in 2017, to discuss how Monica Dutton would not be appearing on the CBS network spinoff.

"I worked up the courage to call. I didn't know how she was going to feel about it," Grimes told TV Insider. "I had to see how she was doing. We had a great conversation. In true Kelsey fashion, she handled it like a pro and totally understood. She's going to do just fine. She is so talented, gorgeous, and awesome. She's going to work. That's not an issue."

What happenned to Monica Dutton? 'Yellowstone' character's fate revealed in 'Marshals'

Luke Grimes is back as Kayce Dutton in the CBS series "Marshals." So is East Camp from "Yellowstone."

Grimes added that he was "heartbroken" when he first heard of plans to write Monica Dutton out of "Marshals."

"It felt like, 'I don’t even know what that would look like doing it without her, what that would feel like.' Kelsey has become one of my best friends," said Grimes. "She's the coolest actor I've ever worked with. She's down to earth, sweet, and kind to every other actor and the crew."

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Kelsey Asbille as Monica Dutton on "Yellowstone."

Asbille has not commented publicly about not appearing in "Marshals," and has not posted any response on social media.

Why did Monica Dutton have to die for 'Marshals'?

You can blame Monica's death on the happy "Yellowstone" ending in 2024 after five turbulent seasons for the Dutton clan. Kayce, Monica, and son Tate (Brecken Merrill) literally rode off into the sunset together in the "Yellowstone" finale. There was no reason for Kayce to start a new life on the U.S. Marshals team unless there was a significant change in the story.

"Any hero's journey needs to begin in tragedy," Spencer Hudnut, "Marshals" creator and executive producer, tells USA TODAY. "In 'Yellowstone,' Kayce and Monica had such a happy ending. We needed to turn his world upside down."

It's clear that Kayce's "Yellowstone" perfect ending has exploded in "Marshals." During his talk with Monica at her memorial site at the end of Episode 1, Kayce says he has to start fresh.

1 / 0Who from 'Yellowstone' is coming to 'Marshals'? Is Monica Dutton dead?

Luke Grimes is bringing back Kayce Dutton to "Marshals." But the "Yellowstone" star is not coming alone. (L-R) Mo Brings Plenty (Mo), Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater) with Grimes (Kayce Dutton). Who else is joining the prestige procedural?

"You always told me to fight for the life I want. I had the life I wanted, it was with you," Kayce says in the episode. "I'm changing paths, I'm trying to find a new beginning for me and Tate."

Grimes has some carryover company with Merrill, 17, returning as son Tate. Broken Rock Reservation leaders Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo (Mo Brings Plenty) also return, extending their storyline into "Marshals."

Monica will continue to be "honored" in the series. "We're going to do right by that character even if she's not with us," says Hudnut. "She's guiding Kayce in this new path."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Marshals' star on Kelsey Asbille's reaction to Monica Dutton's fate

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