Noem's Statue Ceremony Proceeds Without Husband Amid Privacy and Legal Questions

August 7 marked the unveiling in Pierre of a life-sized bronze statue honouring Kristi Noem’s governorship of South Dakota from 2019 through January 2025. The official portrait ceremony drew attention not for its symbolism but for a conspicuous absence: Bryon Noem did not stand beside his wife in the front row.

Kristi Noem’s marital status confirmed by family source

Corinne Arnold, Kristi Noem’s mother, told the Daily Mail on July 10 that divorce plans are active. She described learning of the decision during a grandchild’s birthday party attended by the full family — including Kristi and Bryon Noem, all of Arnold’s children, and all her grandchildren.

“Bryon was holding and hugging the kids. It seemed like the old Bryon,” Arnold recounted to the outlet. When she pressed her daughter directly at the gathering — “What’s the deal? Are you going to get together again?” — Kristi replied, “No. No. We’re going to get a divorce.” Arnold added that Kristi identified a Sioux Falls attorney as her legal counsel. As of the event date, no divorce papers had appeared in court records.

Statue event follows abrupt end to federal role

The bronze statue unveiling represented one of Kristi Noem’s few public appearances since leaving the Trump administration. She served as homeland security secretary for approximately two months before being dismissed in March. She now holds the title of first special envoy to the Shield of the Americas.

Allegations against Bryon Noem preceded family disclosure

A March 31 Daily Mail investigation triggered widespread attention within the Noem household. That report alleged Bryon Noem spent over $25,000 on online fetish forums. According to the outlet, photos purportedly showed him wearing women’s clothing and fake breasts while interacting with models in the “bimbofication” community. Messages cited by the publication included references to “huge, huge ridiculous boobs” and, in some instances, allusions to his marriage.

No public statement from either Kristi or Bryon Noem accompanied the August 7 statue ceremony.