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

Published Jul 18, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

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

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.

Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00

Showrunner Spencer Hudnut

Directors Christopher Chulack, Greg Yaitanes

Writers Spencer Hudnut, Tom Mularz, Dana Greenblatt

• 

  Logan Marshall-Green

  Pete Calvin

•