Derek Chauvin Wife: The Untold Story of Kellie Chauvin’s Life, Marriage, and Where She Is Now
When people search for “Derek Chauvin wife”, they’re often looking to understand who Kellie Chauvin is beyond the headlines. She’s not just known for being married to the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd — her own story is complex, deeply human, and shaped by resilience.
Born Kellie May Xiong in Laos in 1974, she immigrated to the United States as a child refugee. Years before the events that made her husband infamous, Kellie built a quiet life of hard work, compassion, and achievement — a stark contrast to the controversies that later engulfed her name.
Early Life of Kellie Chauvin
Kellie Chauvin’s early years were marked by hardship and determination. She was born into a Hmong family during a time of war and displacement. Her family fled Laos following the Vietnam War and spent time in a Thai refugee camp before resettling in Wisconsin, USA, when she was a child.
Growing up as an immigrant in America wasn’t easy. Kellie faced language barriers, cultural differences, and bullying at school. Yet, she showed remarkable resilience. After completing high school, she earned an associate degree in radiology and began working in the healthcare field — a profession that reflected her caring nature.
How Kellie Met Derek Chauvin
The story of how Derek Chauvin met his wife Kellie sounds like something out of a movie — though it would eventually take a tragic turn.
They first crossed paths in a Minneapolis hospital, where Kellie worked as a radiology technician. Derek Chauvin had brought in a suspect for a medical check before booking him into jail.
Kellie recalled in past interviews that Chauvin was quiet and polite, even asking her out after their first meeting. They began dating soon after and married in June 2010. Friends described them as opposites — she was warm and outgoing, while he was reserved and disciplined.
Marriage and Family Life
For many years, Kellie and Derek Chauvin lived what seemed to be a quiet, middle-class life in Oakdale, Minnesota. While they had no children together, Kellie was a devoted mother to two children from a previous marriage.
Publicly, Kellie often shared photos from community events and beauty pageants. She described her husband as “a softie” who “always put others first.” However, those who knew them privately said their relationship had ups and downs — like many long marriages.
The George Floyd Case and Its Impact on Kellie Chauvin
In May 2020, the world changed for both Derek Chauvin and his wife. When footage of George Floyd’s death spread globally, outrage followed. As Derek Chauvin faced murder and manslaughter charges, Kellie Chauvin found herself in an unimaginable position — suddenly under intense media scrutiny.
Just days after her husband’s arrest, she filed for divorce, saying she was “devastated” by Floyd’s death and offering condolences to his family. Her attorney released a statement that she wanted to dissolve her marriage for the safety and well-being of her family.
The divorce filing made it clear she wished to distance herself entirely from the case and from Chauvin’s actions.
Divorce and Life After Derek Chauvin
Kellie Chauvin’s divorce from Derek was finalized in February 2021 after months of legal proceedings. The court approved a settlement that divided their assets — including property and savings — though exact details were kept private.
After the divorce, Kellie reportedly moved away from Minnesota and sought to rebuild her life in privacy. She has kept a low profile, avoiding interviews and public appearances.
Her decision to step back from the spotlight reflects a desire for peace and healing after years of public controversy and trauma.
Legal Troubles: The Tax Fraud Case
In 2021, Kellie Chauvin faced her own legal challenges. She and Derek were both charged with tax fraud for underreporting income between 2014 and 2019. Authorities alleged that they failed to report over $460,000 in income, including money from Kellie’s photography business and Derek’s security jobs.
Kellie Chauvin pleaded guilty in 2022 to two felony counts of aiding and abetting tax evasion. She was sentenced to 20 days in jail, community service, and ordered to pay restitution of nearly $38,000.
While this episode tarnished her reputation further, Kellie expressed remorse and cooperated fully with the court.
Where Is Derek Chauvin’s Wife Now?
As of recent reports, Derek Chauvin’s wife Kellie lives a private and low-profile life away from the media spotlight. After her jail sentence, she reportedly focused on rebuilding her personal and professional life.
There’s no verified information on her current location or employment, which suggests she values privacy and personal safety above all else.
Though her name is forever linked to one of the most infamous criminal cases in modern U.S. history, Kellie’s story is also one of survival and reinvention.
Kellie Chauvin’s Career and Achievements
Before the controversies, Kellie was widely respected in her community. She had a diverse professional background:
Radiology technician at Hennepin County Medical Center
Real estate agent in the Twin Cities area
Photographer and small business owner
Beauty pageant titleholder — crowned Mrs. Minnesota America 2018
Her pageant win was groundbreaking: she became the first Hmong woman to earn that title. During her reign, she advocated for domestic abuse survivors and Hmong women’s empowerment, inspired by her own experiences in a difficult first marriage.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The media coverage of Derek Chauvin’s wife has been complex. Early portrayals cast her as a supportive spouse. After George Floyd’s death, the narrative shifted dramatically.
Public sympathy was divided. Some admired her courage for filing for divorce and publicly supporting Floyd’s family. Others criticized her for benefiting from a marriage that later brought infamy.
In truth, Kellie Chauvin’s story is a mirror of societal complexity — how ordinary people can become entangled in extraordinary events beyond their control.
Lessons from Kellie Chauvin’s Story
The story of Derek Chauvin’s wife offers several lessons:
Life can change overnight: One public act can reshape private lives.
Compassion and integrity matter: Kellie’s decision to separate herself showed moral clarity during chaos.
Privacy is power: In an age of social media, her retreat from fame demonstrates strength.
Resilience leads to renewal: Despite public scrutiny, she continues to rebuild quietly.
FAQs About Derek Chauvin’s Wife
1. Who is Derek Chauvin’s wife?
Derek Chauvin’s wife is Kellie Chauvin, a former radiology technician, realtor, and beauty queen from Minnesota.
2. Are Derek and Kellie Chauvin still married?
No. Kellie filed for divorce in May 2020, and it was finalized in February 2021.
3. Did Kellie Chauvin have children?
Yes, she has two children from a previous marriage, but none with Derek Chauvin.
4. Was Kellie Chauvin involved in any legal issues?
Yes. She pleaded guilty in 2022 to tax evasion charges and served a short jail sentence.
5. Where is Derek Chauvin’s wife now?
Kellie is reportedly living a private life away from public attention, focusing on rebuilding after the events of 2020.
Conclusion
The life of Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin, is a story of hardship, hope, controversy, and redemption. From her beginnings as a refugee to becoming a respected professional and pageant winner, she built a life rooted in perseverance.
When tragedy struck, her choices showed courage — distancing herself from wrongdoing while taking accountability for her own mistakes.
Kellie Chauvin reminds us that behind every headline is a human being navigating pain, judgment, and the pursuit of peace.
