How did Monica die in 'Yellowstone'? 'Marshals' boss explains tragic fate as sequel series debuts on CBS
'Marshals,' the latest series from the 'Yellowstone' universe, made its debut on March 1 on CBS. It is created by Spencer Hudnut and serves as both a spin-off and a sequel to the award-winning Paramount+ show. Centered on Kayce Dutton's (Luke Grimes) life after the events of the flagship series, it sees John Dutton's youngest son join the team of US Marshals to investigate crimes in Montana. However, the new chapter in Kayce's life comes on the back of a personal tragedy. When audiences meet him at the start of the series, he is heartbroken after losing his wife, Monica Long, and is forced to raise their son, Tate (Brecken Merrill), on his own.
The premiere episode of 'Marshals' is set 12 to 15 months after the 'Yellowstone' finale, in which the family shifted into the smaller East Camp region of the titular ranch. During this time, Monica fell sick after drinking the poisoned water contaminated by toxic mining in the preservation area. Her illness and death were not shown on screen and are not addressed directly in Episode 1. However, Kayce is haunted by dreams in which he is searching for his wife, only to wake up alone and distraught. Fans wondering what led to Monica's death found the answer when the show's creator, Spencer Hudnut, confirmed to The Wrap on March 1, “She did get sick, got cancer and passed away." Additionally, 42-year-old Grimes told reporters at the Television Critics Association virtual press day in February that his character is "kind of at the end of his emotional road … he loses his soulmate." He added that Kayce, a former Navy SEAL, "finds a purpose and a reason to get up in the morning, and that comes from his old SEAL buddy."
Furthermore, Hudnut explained to The Hollywood Reporter that actress Kelsey Asbille, who played Monica for five seasons of 'Yellowstone,' was not available for the spin-off series. Her absence allowed the show to set Kayce on a new journey in which he reconnects with his military roots and turns his tragedy into a mission to serve people. He also told The Wrap, "For Luke and everyone involved with 'Yellowstone,' it was important to use that death to [shine] a light on an issue. On reservations, the cancer rate is actually extremely high. This is what actually pulls Kayce into this world. Monica is kind of guiding Kayce to find his new path."
Kayce and Monica have been through so much. #YellowstoneTV pic.twitter.com/Jxwm9aPkCp
— Yellowstone (@Yellowstone) October 23, 2019
In addition to Grimes and Merrill, 'Marshals' also features Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin, Arielle Kebbel as Belle Skinner, Ash Santos as Andrea Cruz, and Tatanka Means as Miles Kittle, among others. The series also brings back 'Yellowstone' alums, Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater and Mo Brings Plenty as Mo. Tune in to watch new episodes of 'Marshals' on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. The episodes will also stream on Paramount+ the next day.
