Curious to find out if John Dutton is alive or dead after the shocking events of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2? As the heart of the Dutton family saga, John’s apparent death has stunned fans. Wild theories and heated debates continue over whether his character is truly gone or part of a bigger twist.

John Dutton appears to have died by suicide in the opening scene of Yellowstone, season 5 part 2. But is that what really happened?

Fans had a lot to say about the 'Yellowstone' season 5B premiere, which contained a major reveal surrounding the fate of Kevin Costner's character John Dutton

“Yellowstone” follows the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana, including patriarch John (Costner), who had become the Governor of Montana before his death, and his adult children, quiet Kayce (Luke Grimes), villainous Jamie (Wes Bentley), headstrong Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Beth’s cowboy husband, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser).

John Dutton is a goner! For some fans, it’s far from ideal, but Luke Grimes thinks he’s lucky to have got to Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2.

Kevin Costner said that he didn't quit "Yellowstone," and departed due to scheduling. He hasn't yet seen John Dutton's write-off on the show.

"I think originally he was supposed to die much earlier," the actor tells PEOPLE of Kevin Costner's character John Dutton’s tragic fate in Yellowstone was predetermined, according to star Luke Grimes.

Kevin Costner isn’t on Yellowstone anymore, but he still has some thoughts about the direction the show took his character, John Dutton, following his exit. The Oscar winner confirmed his departure from the Paramount Network drama in June 2024 following months of speculation about whether he would appear in the final episodes of season 5.

Kevin Costner addressed the fan backlash surrounding his “Yellowstone” character’s death in an exclusive interview with E! News at the 2024 Governors Awards in Los Angeles Nov. 17.