Christine Baumgartner, the ex-wife of actor Kevin Costner, is officially engaged to Josh Connor, who was once a friend of Costner’s. This engagement comes less than a year after the former couple finalized their divorce.
Connor proposed to Baumgartner in a stunning beachside setting in Santa Barbara, California. The couple was spotted publicly on a few occasions last year, confirming the rumor of a link-up. They maintained that they were mere friends, but the relationship finally got a new identity as they got engaged.
Sources shared that their bond is strong, and they are excited for their future together.
Christine Baumgartner found new love with a financier after her divorce from Kevin Costner
Yellowstone actor Kevin Costner‘s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, is officially engaged to Josh Connor, who is a financier. He happened to be Costner’s friend and neighbor.
Sources, via People, first confirmed the news of the couple’s engagement. The proposal occurred on January 26, during a picturesque beachside moment in Santa Barbara, California, marking their newfound love. The proposal caught Baumgartner off guard; she initially thought it was just a cozy dinner, however, Connor had other plans. Sources close to the couple told People–
It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee.
The couple’s close friends were not surprised by the engagement, noting that they had spent Christmas together in New York, which marked the beginning of their romance. Sources added– “They were both over the moon and excited for their future together.”
Baumgartner, 50, and Connor, 49, first sparked a dating rumor during a trip to Hawaii in July 2023 where they were seen enjoying each other’s company while accompanied by her three children from her marriage to Costner. However, it is not confirmed if Connor is one of the reasons for Costner and Baumgartner’s divorce.
Initial rumors suggested that the couple started dating in July 2023.
Some sources told People in December 2024, “Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation. They shared the same values and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship.”
Their close friends are incredibly supportive of their relationship and they are waiting to know when and where the wedding is.
Christine Baumgartner is starting a new life after the messy divorce
The engagement follows Baumgartner’s divorce from Costner, which was filed in May 2023, after 18 years of marriage. She listed her separation date as April 11, 2023 and finally divorced in February 2024. The handbag designer asked for $160,000 per month in child support citing their children’s “affluent lifestyle” which was inherent “in their DNA.” The court denied and subsequently ordered Costner to pay $63,209 per month in child support.
Connor was also a divorced dad who supposedly provided emotional support to her during the divorce. The messy divorce dragged him in as well. Despite the actor’s silence in public about the relationship, insiders claimed that Costner had his suspicions about their relationship before it became public.
On the other hand, the 70-year-old actor may seem hurt about his ex-wife’s marriage plans but he himself is rumored to be exploring new relationships. Last November, he was seen having a great time with Sharon Stone at the Governors’ Award. The Academy Award winner recently sparked a new dating rumor with Jennifer Lopez.
As the new couple looks ahead, their engagement represents a hopeful new chapter after a tumultuous period. With their shared values and support system, the couple is looking forward to building a new life together, leaving behind the past relationship.