Kellie May Chauvin is a Hmong-American former radiologist and real estate agent, best known as the ex-wife of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd. She was born in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and later moved to the United States as a refugee, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen. As of 2025, Kellie Chauvin is 49 years old, standing about 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) tall and weighing approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). Before her marriage gained public attention, she built a respected career in radiology and real estate and even won the “Mrs. Minnesota America” title in 2018. Her estimated net worth is around $1 million USD. The story below tells you everything you need to know about Kellie Chauvin’s biography.
Quick Stats
| Full Name | Kellie May Chauvin |
|---|
| Famous As | Ex-wife of Derek Chauvin |
| Nationality | Hmong-American |
| Profession(s) | Former Radiologist, Real Estate Agent, Beauty Pageant Winner |
| Place of Birth | Lao People’s Democratic Republic |
| Date of Birth | 1975 (approx.) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 49 years |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Derek Chauvin (ex-husband) |
| Education | Radiology degree, Kaplan University |
| Known For | Winning Mrs. Minnesota America 2018 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million USD |
| Current Residence | United States |
| Ethnicity | Hmong (Asian descent) |
| Religion | Christianity |
Who is Kellie Chauvin, Derek Chauvin’s wife?
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, generally remembered as Derek Chauvin’s wife, is a Hmong-American woman best known for her relationship to the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of George Floyd’s murder. She was born in Laos in 1974 and escaped the war-torn country with her family before landing in Minnesota, United States, as refugees. Her generosity and resilience earned her a reputation in the Hmong community throughout the years.
Aside from her marriage to Derek Chauvin, Kellie led an autonomous life as a healthcare worker and former beauty queen. Her incredible journey from a refugee camp to professional success in America exemplifies resilience, hard work, and determination. Even when her husband’s arrest and trial drew public notice, her story of tenacity and self-reinvention endured the scrutiny of the media.
Early Life and Education of Kellie Chauvin
Kellie Chauvin was born in Laos at a period of political upheaval, and her Hmong family faced significant challenges. Her parents fled to Thailand and spent years in refugee camps before moving to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The transfer to the United States presented both opportunities and challenges, such as cultural adjustment and language problems, but it also increased her family’s will to reconstruct their life.
Kellie, a Hmong-American student, suffered discrimination and bullying during her early years in America. Nonetheless, she remained focused on her schooling. After graduating from high school, she trained to become a radiology technician, setting the framework for a lengthy career in Minnesota’s medical industry. Her early circumstances formed her empathy and determination, attributes that would eventually define her career path.
Kellie Chauvin: Career, Beauty Pageants, and Achievements
Kellie Chauvin began her career at Hennepin County Medical Center as a radiology technologist. She earned the admiration of both coworkers and managers for her caring attitude toward patients. Her career in healthcare provided her with financial freedom and security separate from her identification as Derek Chauvin’s wife.
In 2018, she became the first Hmong woman to win the prestigious title of Mrs Minnesota America. This accomplishment established her as a beauty queen and role model in the Hmong community. Beyond pageantry, she used her platform to promote humanitarian work, cultural unification, and community service, cementing her reputation as a caring and accomplished woman.
How Kellie Met Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer
Kellie first encountered Derek Chauvin at Hennepin County Medical Center, when he had brought in a suspect for a medical examination. Derek, then a Minneapolis police officer, was described as quiet and restrained. Their first meeting progressed to friendship, romance, and marriage in 2010. The couple’s relationship reflected their disparate backgrounds—she was a Hmong-American immigrant, he was a Minnesota police officer—but they found common ground in their shared ambitions.
Derek and Kellie Chauvin maintained a low-key lifestyle for nearly a decade. Friends described them as private, with a concentration on work and family. However, their marriage came to public attention following George Floyd’s death, which changed everything for the Chauvin family.
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The George Floyd Incident and its Aftermath
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd’s death during an arrest by Derek Chauvin sparked global protests against police violence and racial inequality. The footage of the incident in Minneapolis sparked worldwide condemnation and calls for reform. The case swiftly became one of the most significant civil rights events in recent American history.
Kellie Chauvin was abruptly put under great public scrutiny, with media sources focused on her marriage and personal life. As the Floyd case progressed, she retreated totally from public view, seeking safety and seclusion. The catastrophe and subsequent murder prosecution had a significant impact on her personal and emotional health.
The Swift Divorce, and Kellie Chauvin’s Public Statement
Kellie filed for divorce four days after Derek Chauvin’s arrest, claiming an irretrievable collapse in their marriage. Her attorney’s statement extended profound condolences to George Floyd’s loved ones and everyone affected by his passing. This public choice reflected her attempt to disassociate herself from Derek’s acts and the subsequent criminal case.
The divorce proceedings, which were completed in 2021, drew major media attention. Many onlookers saw her actions as a combination of moral responsibility and self-preservation. She made no public appearances following her separation, instead focusing on reconstructing her life outside of the spotlight and ensuring the safety of her family.
Legal Issues, Tax Fraud Case, and Court Charges
In mid-2020, the Minnesota Department of Revenue filed tax evasion charges against Kellie and Derek Chauvin. Investigators claimed the pair neglected to record roughly $464,000 in income between 2014 and 2019, which included revenues from off-duty police jobs and real estate transactions. The charges included criminal tax fraud, which heightened the already intense public attention.
Kellie pled guilty to lesser charges as part of a plea deal in 2023. She was sentenced to 20 days in jail, plus community service and probation. Her cooperation and sorrow displayed responsibility and a desire to move on from her legal problems and public controversy.
Life Following Divorce: Rebuilding and Moving Forward
Following the divorce and court processes, Kellie Chauvin completely disappeared from social media and public view. According to reports, she relocated outside of Minnesota, possibly under a new identity, in order to safeguard her privacy. Her low-key lifestyle represents a deliberate choice to prioritize mental health, healing, and personal safety.
Kellie is reported to have resumed her professional career, either in real estate or healthcare. Despite years of legal hardship and media coverage, she continues to rebuild with bravery and dignity, demonstrating perseverance and personal growth in the face of immense public attention.
Advocacy, Mental Health, and Charity Work
Kellie Chauvin has since been a quiet advocate for mental health education and emotional well-being. Drawing on her personal experience with trauma, she encourages others to get treatment and focus on healing. Her community service efforts benefit domestic violence survivors and racial fairness projects, demonstrating her dedication to converting misery into purpose.
Kellie encourages compassion and recovery in the Hmong community through philanthropic efforts and private outreach. Though she avoids the media spotlight, her quiet activities reveal a lady rebuilding her identity while assisting others to do the same.
Public perception and media portrayal of Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife
Kellie Chauvin’s public perception has altered over time. Initially, she suffered public criticism for her relationship with Derek Chauvin. However, her quick divorce, legal cooperation, and continuing silence during the Floyd trial swayed popular perception. Many began to perceive her as a victim of circumstance rather than an accomplice.
Kellie’s media portrayal has changed to one of strength, dignity, and resilience. She is now frequently described in the news as a woman of quiet resilience who withstood media exposure, public judgment, and emotional distress while emerging with grace and accountability.
Where is Kellie Chauvin now?
According to current sources, Kellie Chauvin is believed to reside secretly, possibly under a new identity, far from Minnesota. She has not made any verified public statements since 2020, preferring to live outside the public eye. Her decision to withdraw from the media spotlight reflects her desire for peace, privacy, and personal recuperation.
Although the public is still inquisitive about her location, Kellie prioritizes her safety and mental health over public re-engagement. Her peaceful exit from stardom contrasts sharply with the enormous media coverage of the George Floyd case.
Kellie Chauvin’s Net Worth (2025)
Kellie Chauvin’s net worth is expected to be approximately $1 million USD by 2025. The majority of her revenue comes from her successful occupations in radiography and real estate, as well as brand collaborations during her tenure as Mrs. Minnesota America 2018.
Following her divorce from Derek Chauvin, she took a step back from public life to focus on personal development and stability. While her earnings are now hidden, reputable sources indicate that her financial situation is stable thanks to wise investments and saves. Despite past issues, Kellie lives an independent and comfortable existence.
Lessons from Kellie Chauvin’s Life and Public Journey
Kellie Chauvin, Derek Chauvin’s former wife,’s tale teaches us about resilience, accountability, and self-discovery. Despite the tragic loss of George Floyd and the upheaval that ensued, she was able to restore her identity and rediscover her purpose. Her example demonstrates how to climb above public scrutiny via integrity and thoughtfulness.
Her experience stresses the value of emotional strength, forgiveness, and recovery from adversity. Kellie Chauvin has changed herself from a controversial person to a symbol of peaceful endurance and new beginnings by prioritizing compassion over disruption, silence over scandal, and hope over despair.
FAQs
Who is Kellie Chauvin?
Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife is a Hmong-American former radiologist and real estate agent.
Where was she born?
Kellie was born in Laos in 1975 and eventually relocated to the United States as a refugee.
What is her profession?
She worked as a radiologist and a realtor before winning Mrs. Minnesota America 2018.
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Why did she divorce Derek Chauvin?
She filed for divorce in 2020, following his incarceration in the George Floyd case.
What is Kellie Chauvin’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $1 million USD.
Where is she now?
Kellie lives secretly in the United States, away from the public eye.
Final Thoughts
Kellie Chauvin’s life is a narrative of perseverance, transformation, and rebuilding following public upheaval. From refugee to Mrs. Minnesota America 2018, her story exemplifies strength and resilience. Despite being involved in one of the most contentious cases in recent US history, she has chosen privacy and self-recovery over celebrity. Her story serves as a reminder that life can take unexpected turns, but with strength and effort, one can always find a way forward.
