What’s the Mystery?
The burning question from 1923 has been: Who is the grandfather of Yellowstone’s John Dutton (Kevin Costner)? The finale seems to settle the mystery, but just maybe, it doesn’t fully.TheWrapSlashFilm
Who’s Who?
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Alexandra (Alex, played by Julia Schlaepfer) gives birth to a son she names John, before dying shortly after.EW.comDecider+1
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The other possible contender was Jack Dutton, Alex’s counterpart—but he was killed prior and didn’t lose a leg in war, a detail John Dutton mentions in Yellowstone. That raises doubts about his role as the grandfather.TheWrapTaste of Country
Most Likely — But Not Certain
All indications point to Alex and Spencer’s son as the grandfather of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, thanks to the naming and legacy cues. In fact, Spencer never remarries, and Elsa’s narration says John Dutton II grows up to raise the ranch.Decider+1SlashFilm
Still, both actors are being coy:
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Julia Schlaepfer hopes “Baby John is the John,” but admits it’s not confirmed. She said, “We genuinely don’t know. They don’t tell us.”TheWrapSlashFilm
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Brandon Sklenar, playing Spencer, echoed that ambiguity: “There could be another John.”TheWrapCinemablend
Final Thoughts: Mystery or Confirmation?
Most plausible theory: Alexandra and Spencer are the grandparents of Yellowstone’s John Dutton III—and the finale heavily implies that.
But the actors’ responses make one thing clear: Taylor Sheridan hasn’t sealed the deal publicly, leaving room for twists or further exploration in future spin-offs like 1944.
Quick Summary
Question | Answer |
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Who gave birth to Yellowstone John’s father? | Alexandra Dutton did, but it’s not 100% confirmed in-show. |
Are Alex & Spencer our grandparents? | Very likely—but cast and creators are keeping doors open. |
Is there room for alternative theories? | Yes—actors themselves hint at ambiguity and possibilities remain.![]() |