The shocking murder of United Health CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, thrust his wife Paulette Thompson into an unexpected spotlight. A 51-year-old physical therapist, Paulette had crafted a quiet life despite her marriage to one of America’s most influential healthcare executives. Their relationship painted an intricate picture – the couple shared a $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota, and raised two sons together, yet they managed to keep separate residences less than a mile apart.

Paulette disclosed that her husband had received threats before the tragic shooting, which occurred as he entered a hotel for an investors’ meeting. Their story began at the University of Iowa, and despite their living arrangements, they stayed connected through their children and their shared past. This piece delves into Paulette Thompson’s identity beyond being Brian Thompson’s wife, her career achievements, family bonds, and the new challenges that lie ahead.

Paulette Thompson’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

Paulette Thompson’s life story started in a place far removed from the spotlight she would later find herself in. Webster City, Iowa, a heartland American town, became her childhood home. This midwestern upbringing taught her values like hard work, family loyalty, and community service that shaped her adult life.

Growing Up in Webster City, Iowa

Life in Webster City gave Paulette Thompson the classic midwestern experience. Her small town’s strong community spirit and traditional values molded her perspective on life. She discovered her passion for health and wellness during these formative years, which later guided her career choice. The practical mindset she developed in her hometown became valuable throughout her life’s path.

Small-town living stood in stark contrast to her future life beside a healthcare executive. Still, those Webster City years laid the groundwork for Paulette Thompson’s character – she remained grounded, practical, and dedicated to helping others.

Choosing A Career in Physical Therapy

Healthcare professions caught Paulette Thompson’s attention as she finished high school. Physical therapy resonated with her practical nature and her wish to make real changes in people’s lives. She found the perfect mix of science, personal connection, and meaningful contribution in this profession.

Her genuine interest in rehabilitation and helping patients recover their mobility and independence drove her choice of physical therapy. This career matched her caring personality and problem-solving approach perfectly. The growing field of physical therapy at that time promised excellent opportunities for driven graduates.

Her decision to study physical therapy took her to the University of Iowa, a choice that would transform both her professional future and personal life in unexpected ways.

Graduating from the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa years marked a crucial time in Paulette Thompson’s story. She received thorough training in physical therapy through the university’s prominent healthcare programs. These college years helped her build the knowledge base that would support her future work.

Brian and Paulette Thompson’s paths crossed at the University of Iowa. The campus environment brought them together, though no one could have guessed how their relationship would grow. They started as two students working toward their degrees, unaware they would create a life together.

Paulette launched her physical therapy career after graduation and put her education to work. She showed the same dedication to her profession that she would later bring to her family life. This work-life balance became her trademark throughout her life’s journey.

Looking back, these early education and career development years gained new meaning after the tragic events involving her husband. Brian Thompson, the United Health CEO, died in a shooting in December 2024, which brought attention to the woman who had built her own quiet professional life alongside his high-profile career. Paulette kept her individual identity and professional practice throughout their relationship, which showed the independence she developed from her Webster City days through her university education.

How Paulette Thompson Met Brian Thompson

A love story started in the halls of academia where two ambitious people found each other. Their paths might never have crossed if not for fate. Their relationship lasted decades through personal triumphs until it ended in an unthinkable tragedy.

Shared University Roots

The University of Iowa became the setting where Paulette Thompson’s romance with her future husband began. Both studied at this prestigious midwestern school in the late 1990s, though in different fields. Brian completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration with accounting focus in 1997. Paulette worked on her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and finished in 1999.

University records show Brian’s exceptional academic performance. He graduated with special honors and highest distinction with a GPA of 3.95 or above. His academic brilliance pointed to his future success in business. These years shaped Paulette’s future too. She gained expertise that would define her career as a dedicated physical therapist.

Building A Bond Through Shared Values

Paulette and Brian connected beyond their studies. Their midwestern upbringing and values created a strong foundation. They shared a strong work ethic and drive for excellence that showed in their careers. They represented different aspects of healthcare – Paulette focused on patient care while Brian handled the business side.

Their relationship grew stronger because they complemented each other. Paulette’s compassion and practical approach matched well with Brian’s analytical mind and leadership skills. They built a partnership on mutual respect and supported each other’s career dreams.

A simple campus connection turned into something special. They found they matched well in personal values and life goals. Their bond grew deeper as time passed.

Early Years of Brian and Paulette Thompson

After graduating from Iowa, Paulette and Brian started building their life together. Their education gave them a strong base as they started their careers. Brian began at PwC accounting firm in metro Minneapolis. Paulette built her career as a physical therapist in healthcare.

Brian joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004, where he would later become CEO. Paulette supported his career while keeping her own professional identity. They made Minnesota their home and bought a $1.5 million house in Maple Grove seven years before the tragic events of 2024.

Their marriage lasted twenty years. They had two sons and created family traditions around boating and traveling. These memories became even more precious after what happened. No one could have known their story would end with the United Health CEO, Brian Thompson, dying in a shocking incident that grabbed national attention.

The trust and values they shared helped them face many challenges. These foundations proved vital long before the final, heartbreaking chapter of their story together.

Family Life of Brian and Paulette Thompson

Paulette Thompson built her family life in the picturesque suburb of Maple Grove, where she created a warm home environment in their $1.50 million residence. The couple lived separately since 2018, yet they showed steadfast dedication to raising their children together.

Raising Two Sons in Maple Grove

Her two sons, aged 19 and 16, became the center of Paulette Thompson’s world. Bryce, her older son, graduated from Wayzata High School and started his freshman year at Indiana University. Her younger son, Dane, continues his sophomore year at Wayzata. Both parents stayed deeply involved in their children’s lives. They chose homes less than a mile apart to make transitions between residences smooth for their sons.

This setup let Brian and Paulette Thompson show up consistently at significant moments, particularly their sons’ sports events. Brandon Carlson, the family’s lacrosse coach, observed that the parents “were present around all of the team events”. Their presence showed how much they cared about supporting their children’s interests.

Balancing Career and Motherhood

Paulette Thompson showed remarkable skill at juggling her career as a physical therapist with being a mom over the last two decades. Her work profile captures this balance perfectly: “I love spending time with my two boys and taking them to all of their activities”.

She earned a perfect 5.0 rating from patient reviews at Park Nicollet Health Services. All her patients gave her the highest possible score. She chose to keep her professional identity separate from her marriage by not mentioning her husband in her work biography—a decision that showed her value for independence and professional growth.

Family Traditions and Activities

The family grew closer through shared interests and traditions. They bonded over Minnesota sports, making memories at Twins, T-Wolves, and Vikings games together. Birthday celebrations, holidays, and lake outings became the life-blood of their family traditions.

Paulette’s love for boating on Minnesota’s many lakes turned into special family moments, creating precious memories with loved ones. Both parents deepened their commitment to giving their children meaningful experiences, even after separating.

Their family life changed forever in December 2024. United Health CEO Brian Thompson’s shooting death outside a Manhattan hotel left Paulette to help their sons cope with grief while facing an uncertain future.

Challenges Faced by Paulette Thompson Before and After the Tragedy

Paulette Thompson dealt with major personal challenges that lay hidden behind her family’s harmonious image. These challenges emerged both before and after the shocking December 2024 tragedy that took her husband’s life.

Living Separately but Staying Connected

Brian Thompson’s shooting death outside a Manhattan hotel made headlines, but few knew about the couple’s living arrangements. Property records show Brian bought a second home in 2018, less than a mile from their family house in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The couple had lived apart for about six years before his death.

Their physical separation never affected their dedication to raising their children together. The close distance between their homes helped keep strong family bonds intact. This arrangement let Paulette maintain her independence while providing steady support for their sons.

Brian Thompson Wife Paulette on Receiving Threats

Paulette Thompson revealed something alarming to NBC News on December 4, right after the shooting. “Yes, there had been some threats,” she disclosed, adding “I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him”.

These threats seemed linked to insurance coverage decisions at UnitedHealthcare. Brian chose to continue his regular travel schedule despite these worrying warnings.

Impact of United Health CEO, Brian Thompson, Shooting, Killed

The tragedy brought overwhelming challenges to Paulette Thompson’s doorstep. “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she told reporters. The family’s distress grew worse when both their homes received a bomb threat that evening – which turned out to be false.

Paulette Thompson later shared a heartfelt statement saying her family was “shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian”. She highlighted his role as “an incredibly loving father to our two sons”.

Security teams stood guard outside Paulette Thompson’s home as she focused on helping her children cope with their devastating loss.

Paulette Thompson’s Strength and Future Outlook

Paulette Thompson shows incredible resilience as she builds a new path forward for herself and her family. The tragic shooting of United Health CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 revealed her inner strength that only her closest circle knew existed.

Focusing on Her Children’s Well-Being

Paulette Thompson puts her sons’ stability above everything during these difficult times. She chose to keep her family’s privacy and asked media outlets to respect their space with a simple statement: “We need time to process this unimaginable loss.”

She makes sure her sons stay focused on their education while giving them the emotional support they need. Her younger son still attends Wayzata High School with new counseling support available to him. Her oldest son continues his studies at Indiana University, backed by his mother’s steadfast encouragement.

Continuing Her Career in Healthcare

Paulette Thompson went back to her physical therapy practice at Park Nicollet Health Services just weeks after losing her husband. She finds healing in helping patients recover from injuries. Her colleagues say she remains focused on her work, which shows her incredible resilience.

“Work provides structure and purpose,” said a healthcare professional who understands trauma recovery. “Helping others likely helps Paulette Thompson cope with her loss.”

Community Support and Moving Forward

Support for Paulette Thompson flows from many sources:

• Healthcare colleagues organize meal deliveries
• University of Iowa alumni created a memorial scholarship
• Neighbors take turns ensuring privacy

Despite this support network, Paulette faces the challenge of reshaping her identity and future. Her role as both a grieving widow and a mother determined to provide stability shows how complex her experience has become.

Brian and Paulette Thompson’s shared values of resilience and family commitment light her path as she moves through this uncharted territory with remarkable strength.

Paulette Thompson Frequently Asked Question

What was Paulette Thompson’s Profession?

Paulette Thompson worked as a physical therapist for over two decades, maintaining a perfect 5.0 rating from patient reviews at Park Nicollet Health Services.

How did Paulette and Brian Thompson Meet?

Paulette and Brian Thompson met while they were both students at the University of Iowa in the late 1990s. They shared common Midwestern values and complementary career aspirations in healthcare.

Where did the Thompson Family Live?

The Thompson family resided in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they owned a $1.5 million home. However, Brian and Paulette had been living separately since 2018, with Brian purchasing a second home less than a mile away.

How many Children do Paulette and Brian Thompson Have?

Paulette and Brian Thompson have two sons. The older son, Bryce, is a freshman at Indiana University, while the younger son, Dane, is a sophomore at Wayzata High School.

How has Paulette Thompson Coped with the Tragedy?

Following her husband’s death, Paulette Thompson has focused on supporting her children’s well-being, continued her career in physical therapy, and received community support. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating this challenging period.

What Role Did Paulette Thompson Play in Her Community?

Paulette Thompson was actively involved in local volunteer initiatives and school events, often supporting health awareness programs and athletic fundraisers in the Maple Grove area.

What Was Brian Thompson’s Profession?

Brian Thompson worked as a healthcare administrator, overseeing operations at a regional medical clinic. He was respected for his leadership and commitment to improving patient care services.

Did Paulette Thompson Continue Working After the Separation?

Yes, Paulette remained dedicated to her role as a physical therapist after the separation. Her commitment to her patients never wavered, and she became an even stronger role model for her children during that time.

How Did the Community Respond to the Thompson Family’s Situation?

The community offered overwhelming support to the Thompsons, organizing meal trains, school support efforts, and wellness checks. Friends and neighbors described Paulette as courageous and deeply devoted to her family.

What are the Future Plans for the Thompson Children?

Bryce is exploring a major in biology with hopes of entering the medical field, following in his parents’ footsteps. Dane remains focused on academics and sports, receiving encouragement from his mother and school mentors.