Kellie Chauvin is best known for being the wife of former police officer Derek Chauvin.
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, born in 1974 in Laos, is best known as the ex-wife of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Her life, however, tells a story that stretches far beyond that association — one marked by resilience, reinvention, and survival.
Kellie was born into a Hmong family during a time of political instability in Southeast Asia. When she was around three years old, her family fled Laos as refugees and spent time in Thailand before resettling in the United States. They eventually made their home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she grew up facing the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture.
As a teenager, Kellie entered into an arranged marriage, as was customary in her community. The relationship lasted about ten years and resulted in two children, but she later left the marriage, citing domestic abuse. Seeking a new start, she moved to Minnesota, where she began rebuilding her life.
After relocating, Kellie earned an associate degree in radiology and began working at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. It was during her time at the hospital that she met Derek Chauvin, who brought a suspect in for a medical evaluation. The encounter led to a relationship, and the two eventually married in 2010.
Kellie and Derek Chauvin did not have children together, but she continued to raise her two children from her previous marriage. During their time together, she shifted her career focus, becoming a licensed real estate agent and exploring photography as a hobby.
In 2018, Kellie achieved public recognition when she won the title of Mrs. Minnesota. She made history as the first Hmong woman to receive the honor, using the platform to advocate for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. The title marked a high point in her personal achievements and symbolized her journey from refugee to respected community figure.
Her life took an abrupt turn in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, a case that gained global attention and led to Derek Chauvin’s conviction for murder. Just days after Floyd’s death, Kellie filed for divorce, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” in their marriage. In a statement released through her attorney, she expressed her sympathy for Floyd’s family and all those affected by the tragedy.
The divorce process attracted significant media attention. A judge initially rejected the first settlement proposal, citing concerns over the division of assets. The couple later finalized their divorce under sealed terms, bringing an official end to their ten-year marriage.
Since then, Kellie has maintained a low profile, reportedly moving away from Minnesota and focusing on rebuilding her private life. Her journey—from refugee and survivor of domestic abuse to beauty pageant winner and ex-wife of one of America’s most infamous police officers—reflects a life shaped by dramatic contrasts and public scrutiny.
Despite the controversies surrounding her ex-husband, Kellie Chauvin remains a figure associated with resilience, cultural identity, and reinvention amid personal and public upheaval.
