Kevin Costner was reportedly blindsided by the news that his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, is engaged—especially because her fiancé is their former neighbor and his one-time friend, financier Josh Connor.
Just 18 months after their contentious divorce, Baumgartner, 50, accepted Connor’s proposal during a beachside moment near their home in Santa Barbara, California. The couple, first spotted vacationing together in Hawaii in July 2023, has been quietly building their relationship while Costner, 70, remains focused on his career and personal life.
A source close to the Yellowstone star claims Costner was completely caught off guard by the engagement. “It’s highly unlikely Christine gave him any kind of heads-up,” the source said. “They’ve tried to be amicable, but Kevin has never been comfortable with her relationship with Josh.”
Kevin Costner still bitter about ex-wife’s new romance
The split between Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner was highly publicized, with legal battles over finances and child support playing out in court. Baumgartner currently receives $63,209 per month in child support for their three children. Despite efforts to co-parent peacefully, tensions have remained—especially regarding her romance with Connor.
Costner, known for his role in Yellowstone, reportedly struggled with the idea of his ex-wife moving on so quickly. “In many ways, Kevin has never really gotten over it,” the source shared. “He was already hurt by the divorce, but the fact that she’s with someone from their past makes it worse.”
Connor, 49, was previously part of the Costner-Baumgartner social circle, making the engagement even more difficult for Costner to accept. Although he has publicly kept quiet about his feelings, those close to him say the news has reopened old wounds.
What’s next for Kevin Costner?
Despite the personal setback, Kevin Costner continues to move forward with his career. He is focused on his upcoming projects, including his highly anticipated Western film series, Horizon: An American Saga. The actor has remained professional in public but is said to be privately frustrated by the news of his ex-wife’s engagement.
Meanwhile, Baumgartner and Connor appear to be enjoying their fresh start. Their relationship, which initially sparked rumors after their Hawaii trip, has now turned into a serious commitment. While the engagement is bound to create further tension, sources close to Costner say he is determined to focus on his work and family rather than dwell on the past.
As Kevin Costner navigates this unexpected development, those around him suggest he may need time to fully process the situation. Whether he publicly addresses the engagement remains to be seen, but for now, he is keeping his attention on his next chapter—both personally and professionally.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.