Taylor Sheridan Secretly Set Up Kayce Dutton’s Monica Replacement 5 Years Ago

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A still of Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton in a still from Marshals season 1, episode 5.

Published Jul 18, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

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When Yellowstone came to an end in 2024 after five seasons, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) appeared to have reached a place of peace, but after his reversal of fortune on Marshals, there's a chance another love interest may have been waiting in the wings for years. In a rarity for a Taylor Sheridan show, Kayce's storyline on Yellowstone wrapped up in a wholesome way. After years of family conflict and loss, Kayce ended the series happy in his marriage to Monica (Kelsey Asbille) after leaving Yellowstone Ranch with their son Tate (Brecken Merrill). Unfortunately, tragedy was quick to strike.

Though the end of Yellowstone saw Kayce and Monica as a success story for the franchise, CBS choosing to move forward with Kayce's character on Marshals changed things for the family. The sequel series quickly revealed that Monica had died of cancer in the years between the end of Yellowstone and the beginning of Marshals, which changed Kayce and Tate's lives entirely. While the loss created the foundation for the Duttons' next chapter, Monica's absence left Marshals with a massive opportunity to establish new relationships for Kayce after his time as a devoted, caring husband came to an abrupt end.

While there are many potential options for Kayce's future love interest on Marshals, one that fans may feel most comfortable with comes from a Yellowstone thread that was never pulled on. Without realizing it, Sheridan may have planted a seed in Yellowstone that could blossom into something beautiful on Marshals.

Avery Could Still Have A Role In Kayce's Life After Yellowstone

Avery (Tanaya Beatty) looking angry in Yellowstone.

Although she hasn't appeared in the franchise since Yellowstone season 4, Avery (Tanaya Beatty) could be a major player in Kayce's future on Marshals. Avery's connection to Kayce started during the early years of Yellowstone, when she began working as a ranch hand at Dutton Ranch. Her connection to Kayce was never exactly subtle, and though she only appeared in a handful of early episodes, it was clear she was attracted to him from the start despite his marriage being an obvious roadblock. When Avery reappeared in Yellowstone season 4, unresolved tension lingered between the pair, though nothing ever happened.

While Kayce was entirely faithful to Monica, it was clear that the attraction between him and Avery was mutual throughout their time together on Yellowstone. The possibility of something sparking between the pair was always in the air, and without Monica in the picture, Marshals season 2 could be the perfect time to test the waters. As Marshals progresses, Kayce's love life will be explored, and bringing someone who knew him in the past into the mix could be a great way to examine what dating looks like for him in the present, while trying to keep Monica's memory alive.

Why Avery Should Be Kayce's Romantic Interest In Marshals Season 2, Not Dolly

Although Marshals season 1 introduced Dolly Weaver (Ellyn Jameson) as the most likely option for Kayce's next long-term love, the series doesn't have to follow an exact formula as it moves forward. While Dolly openly pursued Kayce and became increasingly involved in his story as the season progressed, her entanglements with her father, Tom Weaver (Chris Mulkey), made her less of a possible love interest and more of an agent of conflict. Her relationship with Kayce quickly became complicated, which doesn't bode well as he moves forward in his life. Kayce's next relationship shouldn't come from a place of struggle.

Avery would be a better option for Kayce as he moves into his next chapter because of her ability to understand where he comes from. With a familiarity surrounding Kayce and Tate's past, Avery would be able to understand how the Dutton men are choosing to move forward after an enormous loss. On top of her understanding of his past, Avery and Kayce's chemistry felt undeniable on Yellowstone, even if the pair ultimately denied it. With Marshals giving the potential couple a shot at a second chance, it would be fascinating to see the relationship carry over.