It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s marriage looked as strong as any out there.
Today, though, following an acrimonious split involving a lengthy court battle and many shots traded via the press, the couple have firmly moved on.
Only last month did we report on the possibility of Yellowstone star Costner having found love again and it would appear that his ex-wife isn’t about to be left behind where burgeoning romances are concerned…
According to reports, Costner was blindsided by Christine Baumgartner’s decision to begin divorce proceedings back in May of last year (2023). The whole sorry saga, sadly, would go on to spiral downwards from there.
In early May, Christine filed divorce papers, citing “irreconcilable differences”. The pair had been married for 18 years.
A representative for Costner released a statement reading: “It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action.
“We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
What followed Baumgartner’s filing was a bitter feud between she and Costner, one that included the former being forced out of the family home – as per a prenuptial agreement – and the latter being ordered to pay $63,209 per month in child support for the pair’s three shared kids.
All in all, 2023 was a year that both Kevin and Christine are likely more than happy to put behind them. That said, it wasn’t all bad news where love is concerned – that at least if gossip from certain media outlets can be believed.
As per TMZ, Costner embarked upon a romance with US singer Jewel late last year. The pair were said to have flown to the Caribbean together, with one source stating: “There was definitely something going on. They were flirty, and when they were together, it was like they both just lit up.”
Another source added: “You could tell they were trying to be discreet, but anybody who saw them could tell something was going on.”
Fittingly, Costner’s ex-wife now finds herself the subject of similar speculation, with the Daily Mail strongly suggesting that she may have a new flame in her life.
Months after the finalization of her and Kevin’s divorce, Baumgartner has reportedly been once again seen with well-known financier Josh Connor (the pair both reside in Santa Barbara).
The Daily Mail published a series of snaps, including one wherein 49-year-old Baumgartner, a fashion designer by trade, appeared to be seen dropping Connor off at his home.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Baumgartner and Connor have been linked with one another. After the two were sighted during a summer vacation to Hawaii last July, Baumgartner was forced to answer a question about their relationship with one another while in her divorce court proceedings.
“No,” Baumgartner answered when asked where Connor was her boyfriend. The 49-year-old then insisted that Connor had slept in a separate room while the pair were on vacation. The Mail, however, say that Baumgartner and Connor then took a second trip to Hawaii in December.
It was also confirmed by Baumgartner’s attorney that Josh had lent Baumgartner $20,000 last summer when she was in the midst of distress relating to her divorce from Costner.
The Mail reports that Connor has been divorced since January 2023 and shares three children with his former wife.
