Paulette Thompson, affectionately known as Pauley, is a seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to helping patients achieve better health and mobility, earning her a respected reputation within the healthcare community. Currently, she works at HealthPartners, a well-known healthcare organization, where her commitment to patient care continues to make a meaningful impact.
Paulette earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa in 1999. This academic path was significant not only for her professional development but also for her personal life. The University of Iowa was a place of shared history for Paulette and her late husband, Brian Thompson, who was also an alumnus. Their shared educational background became one of the many bonds that drew them together as a couple.
The Thompsons built their lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they raised their two sons. Now aged 19 and 16, the boys grew up supported by their parents’ shared values and hard work.
The details of Paulette and Brian’s wedding remain private, reflecting their preference for keeping personal matters low-key, but it is known that their marriage endured for over two decades. In that time, they nurtured their family’s growth, supported each other’s careers, and established a loving home environment.
In her professional biography, Paulette speaks warmly about her family, highlighting her joy in spending time with her children and supporting them in their activities. Outside the clinic, she enjoys boating, biking, playing the piano, and traveling—activities that bring her closer to friends, family, and nature.
Whether guiding patients toward better health or sharing experiences with her children, Paulette shows a clear passion for personally and professionally improving people’s lives.
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Brian worked in business, steadily building his career and reputation as a respected executive at UnitedHealth Group, while Paulette dedicated herself to patient care. Their commitment to their professions served as a strong foundation for their relationship.
Even after they separated, friends and acquaintances noted that Paulette and Brian maintained respect and consideration for one another, valuing their shared history and roles as parents above all else.
Brian Thompson Shooting
On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, then 50 years old, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. He had been on his way to an investor event for UnitedHealth Group when an assailant, who reportedly fled on an e-bike, targeted him. Authorities and family members alike were stunned by the sudden, violent nature of the attack.
Though estranged from Brian at the time, Paulette addressed the tragedy with honesty and courage. She revealed that Brian had mentioned receiving threats before his death. Still, he had not expressed deep fears for his safety. Her openness with the media and her cooperation with authorities underscores her strength and her desire to help uncover the truth behind the crime. She acknowledged that Brian had mentioned people “threatening him,” a detail that investigators are now closely examining.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Paulette has focused her energy on supporting her family, especially her sons. Despite the separation between her and Brian, the tragedy of his loss has deeply affected her.
She has navigated the public spotlight with dignity, working to protect her children’s well-being and honor Brian’s memory. Her resilience reflects her lifelong devotion to family and her professional ethic of caring for others.
As the investigation into Brian Thompson’s murder continues, Paulette Thompson remains a figure of quiet strength. She is a dedicated mother, a compassionate healthcare professional, and an individual committed to positive contributions in both her personal and professional spheres. Although the tragic circumstances of Brian’s passing have thrust Paulette into the public eye, her true essence—her unwavering dedication to family, health, and making a difference—remains the core of who she is.
