Decoding the Comprehensive Family Tree of the Duttons in Yellowstone

If you've never seen Yellowstone or if you're a die-hard fan, the Dutton family tree might be a bit confusing. We understand, and we're here to help. Let's take a look at the family's history, from 1883 to John Dutton and the present day.

Yellowstone is a simple TV show about cowboys herding cattle, getting into fights, and protecting their land. But it's incredibly entertaining and one of the best series currently on TV. However, there's one aspect of the Taylor Sheridan show that has some fans puzzled.

There are numerous Duttons, many of whose names start with the letter J. It's important to understand the different generations of the family and how they are related, especially with the upcoming final episodes of the main show in 2024. To help with this, we have created a comprehensive guide to the Dutton family tree.

Yellowstone family tree: 1883

Paramount+

The saying "first the worst" loses its meaning when you witness the incredible brilliance of James Dutton and his small family. In the spin-off series, 1883, we are introduced to the first generation of the remarkable Dutton family in 1883, which proves to be technically and narratively superior to the main show.

The series follows the journey of James Dillard Dutton, his wife Margaret, their daughter Elsa, and young son, John, as they make the migration from Texas to Montana in search of a new beginning. James is a steadfast and intelligent man who cares deeply for his family, captivating the audience with his determination. His exceptional skills and practical nature make him the driving force behind the convoy of European migrants as they make their way to their destination.

In the early episodes of 1883, we are introduced to Margaret and Elsa, two strong and independent women who have a significant influence on the Dutton family's strong will. We also briefly meet James' sister, Claire, and her daughter Mary, both of whom meet their demise in the first two episodes. Absent from the series is the birth of Spencer Dutton, the third child of James and Margaret, who comes into the world after the couple settles in Montana on the land that will eventually become the Yellowstone Ranch.

Yellowstone family tree: 1923

Paramount+

Spencer Dutton stars in the spin-off series 1923, in which he hunts lions abroad – as wild and daring as it sounds. The main characters of the show are Jacob Dutton and Cara Dutton, portrayed by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren in the Yellowstone 1923 cast. Jacob is the brother of James Dillard Dutton, who we do not meet in 1883. After James's death in a battle with horse thieves, Margaret writes to Jacob asking for help at the Yellowstone Ranch to survive with her children. Unfortunately, he arrives too late to save Margaret, who succumbs to the harsh Montana winter. However, Jacob and Cara take in and raise the young John and Spencer Dutton as their own, keeping the ranch thriving and laying the groundwork for the Dutton empire.

John Dutton I, now known by that name, is wed to a woman named Emma. Together, they have a son named Jack. Jack nearly starts a family of his own with his lover, Elizabeth Strafford, but they sadly suffer a miscarriage, leaving them without children for the time being.

Meanwhile, Spencer ties the knot with Alexandra, whom he meets in Africa, taking her away from her own fiance in the process. Upon receiving news of John I’s passing, the couple returns to America. However, their path becomes uncertain when they are separated while traveling, and we'll have to wait until Season 2 of 1923 to learn of their fate.

Though not officially confirmed in the show, it seems almost definite that either Spencer and Alexandra, or Jack and Elizabeth, become the parents of John Dutton II, the father of Costner’s iconic character. This is expected to be a significant plot point in Season 2 of 1923.

Yellowstone family tree: Present-day Duttons

Paramount+

The modern-day Dutton family is centered around Kevin Costner's John Dutton III and the rest of the beloved Yellowstone cast. John Dutton II and his wife had two children: John III and Peter, who tragically passed away shortly after birth. John himself was married to Evelyn Dutton and they had three biological children together, named Lee, Beth, and Kayce. Additionally, the couple adopted Jamie after his mother was killed by his father, and raised him as their own.

One of the Dutton children, Lee, is killed in the first episode of Yellowstone during a shootout between the ranch and members of the Broken Rock Reservation. Beth Dutton shares the same strong demeanor as Margaret, Elsa, and Alexandra Dutton and brings a powerful presence to any situation, whether it be a business meeting or a family dinner.

Kayce is married to a Native American woman named Monica, and they have a son, Tate, who is currently the sole legitimate heir to the Dutton Ranch. With Lee deceased, Beth unable to have children, and Jamie being adopted, Tate is likely to be the future owner of the Yellowstone Ranch and the sole biological successor to the Dutton bloodline unless Kayce and Monica have another child.

Jamie also has a son from a previous relationship with his former assistant, Christina. Unfortunately, we don't know the child's name and he technically isn't considered a part of the Dutton lineage. Given the strained relationship between Jamie and John, it's unlikely he will be included in John Dutton III's will. That wraps up over 140 years of Dutton family history. While there may be some surprises in the final part of Yellowstone season 5, for now, this is all we know about Yellowstone 6666. You can also explore our list of the best Yellowstone characters.

Explore our other Yellowstone coverage:

- Shows for Yellowstone enthusiasts

- The reason behind Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone

- Is Yellowstone airing tonight?

- Information about the cast of 1923

- Details about season 2 of 1923

- The cast of Yellowstone

- Speculations about Kevin Costner's appearance in S5P2

- Concerns about Tate's fate in Yellowstone

- Taylor Sheridan's other shows and movies

- The fate of Beth in Yellowstone

- The CBS premiere of Yellowstone

- Matthew McConaughey's upcoming Yellowstone series

- Explanations for the changes in Yellowstone's airing on CBS

- A timeline for Yellowstone spinoffs

- Speculations about Monica's fate in Yellowstone

- Insight into Lawmen: Bass Reeves as a possible spinoff

- The potential inclusion of Yellowstone stars in Lawmen: Bass Reeves

- The release date for the Yellowstone finale

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of the Yellowstone series, I am fascinated by the intricate family tree of the Duttons. The show's creators have done an incredible job of weaving together the stories of multiple generations, creating a rich and complex narrative that spans over a century. The prequel series, 1883 and 1923, have added even more depth to the Dutton family history, allowing us to witness the struggles and triumphs of the earlier generations that shaped the present-day Duttons.

I particularly enjoyed the character of James Dutton in 1883. His determination and leadership skills were truly inspiring, and I found myself rooting for him and his family as they faced the challenges of the frontier. The relationship between James and his wife, Margaret, was also beautifully portrayed, and their love for each other and their children was evident in every scene. The introduction of Jacob Dutton and Cara Dutton in 1923 further expanded the Dutton family tree and provided a glimpse into the next chapter of their story. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren brought these characters to life with their exceptional performances, and I am eager to see how their journey unfolds in the upcoming seasons.