When Derek Chauvin’s name rocked the world following George Floyd’s death, many also asked about his wife, Kelly Chauvin.
But another name quietly rose to the spotlight: his wife, Kelly Chauvin. Who is she? Why did she file for divorce so quickly? And where is she now?
This blog delves into the full story of Derek Chauvin’s wife, revealing the tragedy and hardships she endured after one of the most explosive events in modern history.
Who Is Derek Chauvin’s Wife, Kellie Chauvin?
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, often known as Derek Chauvin’s spouse, is a Hmong-American woman with a powerful life story. Born in Laos in 1974, she fled with her family to Thailand before settling in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States as a refugee.
She later built a career as a radiologist in Minnesota. In 2018, she became the first Hmong woman beauty queen when she won the title of Mrs. Minnesota America. Her grace and strength made her a role model in her community.
Derek and Kellie Chauvin’s Marriage Story
Derek Chauvin met Kellie while she worked at a hospital. He brought in suspects for health checks, and their paths crossed. They started dating, and in 2010, they got married.
Their marriage lasted more than a decade, but their relationship ended shortly after the George Floyd case. Their bond, once seen as steady, collapsed under the weight of global attention and legal trouble.
Did Derek Chauvin and His Wife Have Kids?
One common question is: Did Derek Chauvin have children? The answer is no. Derek and Kellie did not have kids together.
However, Kellie Chauvin children included two from her first marriage before meeting Derek. By the time she married him, her children were already adults. Derek never adopted them, and court records show no biological children of his own.
Kellie Chauvin’s Life Before Meeting Derek
Before her marriage, Kellie’s journey was remarkable.
- Laos refugee background → She and her family escaped wartime danger.
- New life in Wisconsin → They moved to the U.S. as refugees and rebuilt their lives.
- Radiologist career → She worked in Minnesota as a professional in health care.
- Mrs. Minnesota America 2018 → She broke barriers by becoming the first Hmong woman to win the crown.
She was admired for her confidence, kindness, and charity work.
Why Kellie Chauvin Filed for Divorce After His Arrest
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd’s tragic death led to Derek Chauvin’s arrest. Just four days later, on May 29, 2020, Kellie filed for divorce.
She cited an “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” and expressed sympathy for George Floyd’s family. Through her attorney, she made it clear she wanted no part in defending her husband.
This move set her apart from many wives in high-profile trials, who often stand by their spouses. Instead, Kellie chose independence.
Divorce Finalized: What Really Happened in Court
The Derek Chauvin divorce settlement was finalized in February 2021.
At first, prosecutors raised questions, wondering if the split was a way to protect assets. But the court approved the divorce. The marriage officially ended less than a year after George Floyd’s death.
This chapter showed Kellie’s determination to start over, even in the middle of media chaos.
Kellie and Derek Chauvin’s Tax Fraud Case Explained
Even after separating, both Derek and Kellie faced legal trouble together.
In July 2020, the Minnesota Department of Revenue charged them with felony tax fraud. Investigators found they hid nearly $464,000 in income from several years, including Derek’s security side jobs.
The charges shocked many, adding another layer to an already painful story.
Kellie Chauvin’s Sentence and Legal Outcome
In 2023, Kellie pleaded guilty to the charges. She accepted responsibility and cooperated with investigators.
The court sentenced her to 20 days in jail, community service, and probation. This was a heavy moment in her life, but it showed her willingness to move forward and face the truth.
Where Is Kellie Chauvin Now in 2025?
After the divorce, Kellie largely disappeared from the public eye. She reportedly moved out of Minnesota and has kept a low profile. Some sources claim she faced harassment and threats due to her connection to Chauvin, making it difficult for her to continue her real estate career.
Today, it is believed she lives under a new identity. She has not been active on social media since 2020. Friends and sources say she values privacy and safety above all else.
Did Kellie Chauvin Support Derek During His Trial?
The answer is clear: No.
Kellie never defended Derek. She filed for divorce almost immediately and publicly sided with George Floyd’s family.
This stands in sharp contrast to other high-profile cases, where spouses often stay supportive. Kellie took a different path, one of separation and moral independence.
Public Reaction to Kellie Chauvin’s Decision
The public had mixed reactions:
- Praised → Many saw her as brave, standing apart from her husband’s actions.
- Criticized → Some believed it was a legal move to protect money.
Still, Kellie’s quick action defined her role in history. She became a symbol of a spouse choosing dignity and survival over loyalty to wrongdoing.
Kellie Chauvin Timeline: Key Dates and Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Derek and Kellie Chauvin marry |
| 2018 | Kellie wins Mrs. Minnesota America |
| May 25, 2020 | George Floyd killed in Minneapolis |
| May 29, 2020 | Kellie files for divorce |
| July 2020 | Derek and Kellie charged with tax fraud |
| Feb 2021 | Divorce finalized in court |
| 2023 | Kellie sentenced for tax fraud charges |
| 2025 | Living privately under a new identity |
Final Thoughts: Kellie Chauvin’s Life After Derek
The story of Derek Chauvin wife, Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, is one of survival and quiet resilience. She faced the collapse of her marriage, legal challenges, and public backlash. Yet, she chose silence and distance instead of defending him.
Today, her story reminds us how the spouse of a convicted officer can also be caught in history’s spotlight. Kellie’s decision to walk away shows strength and a will to rebuild.
FAQs About Derek Chauvin’s Wife
Who is Derek Chauvin’s wife?
His ex-wife is Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, a radiologist and former Mrs. Minnesota America.
Did Derek Chauvin and Kellie have kids?
No, they did not. Kellie had two children from a previous marriage.
When did Kellie Chauvin file for divorce?
She filed on May 29, 2020, just days after Derek’s arrest.
What legal trouble did she face?
She was charged with tax fraud in July 2020 and later sentenced in 2023 to 20 days in jail, community service, and probation.
Where is Kellie Chauvin now?
In 2025, she is believed to live under a new identity, far from public attention.
