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What started as a single show about a complex family of ranchers, led by patriarch John Dutton, has evolved into a full-fledged franchise with a winding lineage of characters. So now, fans of Yellowstone can enjoy the prequels, 1883 and 1923, which delve into the origins of the Dutton family saga. Still, one question remains: who are really the parents of John Dutton II?
Many who have watched 1923 suspected that this character, played by Dabney Coleman, was brought into the world by Elizabeth and Jack Dutton. Yet, a tragedy in Season 1 (spoiler alert: Elizabeth had a miscarriage) caused that theory to go out the window.
This pushed fans to suspect Alex and Spencer Dutton might've been John Dutton II's parents. But then, viewers were confronted with another twist after finding out Elizabeth was pregnant again.
Ahead, we're breaking down the facts (and fan theories) that could put this debate to rest once and for all.
Scroll to finally find out who John Dutton's parents are in Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstoneuniverse!
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John Dutton II, WHO are your parents?!
As you may recall, John Dutton II first appeared during a Yellowstone flashback scene. He was John Dutton III's father, as well as the grandfather to Lee, Jamie, Beth, and Kayce Dutton. Kevin Costner portrays John Dutton III, who inherited the ranch after John Dutton II died from cancer.
Dabney Coleman ultimately passed away on May 16, 2024, at 92 years old. Taylor Sheridan told Deadline, "I was humbled myself when he agreed to appear on Yellowstone. His performance was yet another lesson in bravery and emotional honesty. Dabney Coleman is a treasure. He will be missed and admired, always."
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Jack and Elizabeth Dutton
However, the mystery surrounding his character's parentage lives on. The theory that Jack and Elizabeth Dutton are John Dutton II's parents seems the most plausible, given how Jack's father, played by James Badge Dale, was the OG John Dutton. Moreover, we learned in 1923 that John Dutton was shot and killed, so it makes sense why Jack Dutton would've named his son after his father.
Trae Patton/Paramount+
Another detail that helps this theory appear even more plausible is the fact that John Dutton III chose Beth as his daughter's name. Could he have been paying homage to Elizabeth if she were his grandmother? It's possible.
Actor Darren Mann, who plays Jack Dutton, admitted to believing this while speaking to Woman's World. He said, "I had the way I thought the show would all unfold. Jack would take over the ranch. Kevin Costner [John Dutton III in Yellowstone] would be my future grandson, and Elizabeth and I would raise lots of nice cattle."
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Alex and Spencer Dutton
A different theory revolves around Alex and Spencer Dutton being John Dutton II's parents. If we consider how, in 1883, James and Margaret were the parents of Spencer and John Dutton Sr., it seems like a feasible possibility. This would mean that Spencer named his son after his older brother.
And since Spencer and his son (who's born in the 1923 finale) live on the Yellowstone ranch (while Elizabeth decides to leave with no intention of returning), it definitely seems like Spencer and Alex could be John Dutton II's parents — and John Dutton III's grandparents.
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Regardless of which theory you buy into the most, another new prequel in the Yellowstone universe, entitled 1944, may finally put the question to rest once and for all. This show, expected to be released in 2026, will follow the Dutton family in Montana and likely feature John Dutton II as the lead.
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