Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly Reflects on How Beth Has ‘Changed’ Before [Spoiler]’s Series Finale Death

Beth Dutton has come a long way leading up to that explosive Yellowstone finale — just ask Kelly Reilly.

Ahead of the Sunday, December 15, conclusion of the hit Paramount Network series, Reilly took to social media to reflect on her character’s journey.

“Whatever the future holds this is the ending of the show we have been making for the past 7 years,” Reilly, 47, wrote via Instagram. “Words cannot convey how I feel about the people I got to work and create with over the seasons . I have made true life long friends. The support from the crew and the trust and dedication of the cast. The words I got to say and the woman I got to inhabit. It changed me. It lit me up. It challenged me in every way possible and I will forever be grateful for it.”

Reilly issued a message to creator Taylor Sheridan for taking “a chance” on her, adding, “[He] continued to write [Beth] in ways I got to feel on fire as an actor. Thank you Taylor. Thank you the audience we made it for, for being on this journey with us. We really cared about making something special for you all … Enjoy tonight, get your tissues and your 🥃✌️.”

Related: Most Shocking — and Brutal — ‘Yellowstone‘ Deaths Throughout the Seasons

Paramount+ What has helped make Yellowstone such a cultural phenomenon is the show’s commitment to taking risks — especially with its onscreen deaths. The hit series, which premiered on Paramount in 2018, followed the fictional Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana. Many viewers came for Kevin Costner‘s portrayal of family patriarch John […]

Fans quickly entered the comments section to weigh in on what they think would happen. Some specifically asked for Reilly’s input on whether Beth would be responsible for brother Jamie Dutton’s (Wes Bentley) death and her fight for the family farm.

Answering questions before the broadcast, Reilly didn’t give anything away on how Beth — with husband Rip’s (Cole Hauser) help — would be the one to kill Jamie, but she elaborated on her character’s evolution.

“She definitely changed. In early seasons [the farm] was a place with too many bad memories. The place haunted her,” she recalled. “She was loyal to her father as she loved him so ferociously but she also felt such responsibility and guilt about the death of her mother, his wife.”

Reilly continued: “It almost became her reason to live to make it right, to do this for him. She became his most loyal soldier. Over the seasons you saw her fall in love with it again. She did it for him. For the land. And for a part of her soul.”

Related: How Did ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 End? Breaking Down Spoiler‘s Death

Yellowstone’s fifth season has finally come to a close, and nothing will ever be the same at the Dutton Ranch.After weeks of threatening Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly) came through on her promise to avenge the death of her father, John Dutton (Kevin Costner), in the Sunday, December 15, season finale. Following John’s funeral, […]

Viewers — including Us — have tuned in to watch Beth’s story since the show debuted in 2018. Before the show came to an end, reports started to float around about a spinoff focused on Beth and Cole. (On Sunday, Reilly commented “true” to a fan who asked if the rumors were indeed true.)

“I loved this season. There were some really different territories to explore, so I’m not clinging to her,” Reilly told Town and Country in November about plans to reprise the role. “I’m happy to put her back in her padlocked box.”

Reilly didn’t rule out a return though, saying, “I am definitely interested in Beth, and who she is after some things have happened,” she said. “Who is she in peace? As an actor you’re like, ‘Ooh, let me at that.’ Wouldn’t it be fun to watch Beth go to therapy?”

The actress expressed her gratitude for getting a chance to play a complicated woman on screen.

“I love gearing up to play her, because there’s an adrenaline to Beth and it’s very energizing. But it’s also incredibly gnarly. I have to hide all of me away to put some of that on. I love her, but I can’t live with her,” she continued. “It’s not just about playing strong, capable women. That’s missing the point. Male characters can be messy, but they can still be heroic. Full spectrum. And I think there is a bravery to embracing shadow. How can you be an honest person if you don’t own some of your darkness?”

Yellowstone is currently streaming on Paramount+.