Less than a year after finalizing her divorce from Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner has confirmed her romance with the Yellowstone actor’s former friend, Josh Connor.
According to TMZ, Baugartner was seen out and about in Montecito, California holding hands with Connor. Although they didn’t kiss in front of the media outlet’s cameras, the couple did wrap their arms around each other’s waists.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner finalized their divorce at the end of February after being married for 18 years. The former spouses share two sons and a daughter.
Earlier this year, a source revealed to Us Weekly that Costner had “strong suspicions” that something was going on between Baumgartner and Connor. “Their close [bond] was a real elephant in the room,” the insider said. “
During their divorce battle, Kevin Costner questioned if Baumgartner had been faithful after she requested documents about his finances.
“Respondent has no responsive documents for ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ in which he engaged because he engaged in none,” the legal documents from August 2023 stated.
Costner’s attorneys also noted that he didn’t know for a fact if Baumgartner had engaged in any “extramarital romantic relationships” before separation. He also didn’t know whether she spent “any of his money or charged any expenses in furtherance of her affair(s) on credit cards he paid.”
Baumgartner testified in court that she and Connor were just friends after they were photographed in Hawaii. She further confirmed that her ex had loaned her $20,000. Half of that money was given to her mother. She returned the other $10,000 to the actor.
Us Weekly confirmed the former couple finalized their divorce in September 2023. Costner is rumored to be moving on and is allegedly dating singer/songwriter Jewel.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Were ‘On Speaking Terms’ After Finalizing Divorce
After Kevin and Costner and Christine Baumgartner finalized their divorce, a source told Us Weekly that the former couple were on “speaking terms.”
“They are now on speaking terms,” the insider said. “Things are better.”
The source also pointed out that Costner and Baumgartner didn’t want things to be ugly for their children’s sake. They were also remaining civil and had no plans to rekindle their romance. “There won’t be any reconciliation. They’re moving on.”
The insider went on to add that Kevin Costner was “thrilled” that the divorce negotiations were over. “At the end of the day, Christine is the mother of his children and he didn’t want to fight anymore.”
Along with Baumgartner, Costner also shares daughters Annie and Lily as well as son Joe with ex-wife Cindy Silva. He has a son, Liam, with ex Bridget Rooney.