KEVIN Costner’s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, has confirmed her relationship with family friend Joshua Connor.
After a nine-month court battle, the handbag designer and actor finalized their divorce in February.
5
5
Christine, 50, has officially moved on with financier Joshua after they were spotted out and about holding hands in Santa Barbara over the weekend.
The pair kept extra close as they walked down the street together, both wearing athletic attire.
NEW MAN
The blonde was wearing a white rain jacket, black leggings, and sneakers paired with sunglasses and her hair in a ponytail.
Christine tucked her hand into the back pocket of Joshua’s black jogger pants for some major PDA, and he returned the favor with a hand wrapped tightly around her waist.
Read more on Kevin Costner
The financier wore a black rain jacket, black knitted scarf, and an LA hat as the pair laughed on their outing.
Relationship rumors between the couple first sparked during the former model’s court battle with Kevin, 69, last year.
KEVIN AND CHRISTINE
The award-winning actor married Christine in 2004 at an Aspen, Colorado, ranch wedding, though they briefly split before saying, “I do.”
The couple welcomed their son Cayden three years later, followed by Hayes in 2009 and Grace in 2010.
During a child custody payment hearing, Kevin’s legal team questioned a $20,000 loan from a “boyfriend” who was identified as Josh.
But the Cat Bag Couture label owner denied any romantic involvement, claiming the financier was just a “family friend.”
SHUTTING DOWN RUMORS
Christine took the stand and told the court that Joshua had been a longtime pal for “seven or eight years.”
According to Fox News Digital, when directly asked if the man was her boyfriend, she replied, “No.”
Also, while in court, the mother of three recalled a March trip to Hawaii with Joshua, his daughter, and other friends.
Christine said that Kevin did not join them because, per Fox, “he wanted to do a speech with a hunting club.”
The Costners allegedly paid for the vacation home where they stayed throughout the trip.
Then, in July, Kevin’s ex returned to Hawaii with friends and their children, including Joshua.
She claimed that his daughter is “best friends” with her own, Grace Costner, who is 13.
The designer said that the financier “paid for the house” for the second visit.
BIG GIFT
When Kevin’s legal team asked about claims that Joshua “gave Christine money,” she replied, “I can’t remember if it was before or after [the March or July trips to Hawaii].”
“He gave me $20,000,” she revealed.
Christine told the court she “gave $10,000” of the amount “to [her] mother” before becoming emotional on the stand.
“She was concerned about her house,” the designer explained.
Kevin Costner’s relationships
Kevin has been married three times and has seven children.
Kevin’s dating history began with actress Cindy Silva, whom he met in 1975 while attending California State University, Fullerton.
They tied the knot three years later and welcomed three children: Annie, Lily, and Joe.
But after 16 years of marriage, the couple called it quits in 1994.
Shortly after, Kevin moved on with philanthropist Bridget Rooney.
In 1996, the actor and former model gave birth to their son Liam.
Two years later, the pair called it quits, and the Academy Award winner went on to engage in several other short-lived relationships.
Kevin dated political activist Birgit Cunningham and model Elle Macpherson.
The movie star then met handbag designer Christine Baumgartner while filming his 1996 flick Tin Cup.
Despite a brief split before their wedding date, the couple married in 2004 in an Aspen, Colorado ceremony.
They welcomed their son Cayden in 2007, followed by Hayes in 2009 and daughter Grace a year later.
But in May 2023, Christine filed for divorce from Kevin after nearly 20 years of marriage.
The divorce was finalized in February after a difficult court battle over their home and a custody battle regarding the kids.
The former model has since moved on with financier Joshua Connor.
Kevin is rumored to be dating Grammy-nominated singer Jewel, though their romance has not been confirmed.
KEVIN ON CAMERA
As Christine’s newfound relationship went public, Kevin was flooded with emotion as he debuted his new Western film, Horizon: An American Saga, at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.
The beloved actor received a nearly 10-minute standing ovation for the first of a four-part movie, leaving him teary-eyed.
“I’m sorry you had to clap that long for me to understand that I should speak,” he said finally on the microphone.
“Such good people, such a good moment – not just for me, for the actors that came with me, for people who believed in me, who continued to work.
“It’s a funny business, and I’m so glad I found it. There’s no place like here. I’ll never forget this; neither will my children,” he gushed.
Kevin continued, “I made this – it’s not mine anymore, it’s yours. I knew that the minute this was over, and that’s the way it should be.
“I think movies aren’t about their opening weekends, they’re about their life… about how many times you’re willing to share them, and I hope that you do share this movie with your sweethearts, with your children.
“I feel so lucky, I feel so blessed. And, there’s three more,” the actor closed.
Kevin and Christine’s son Hayes made his acting debut alongside his father in the Western film, which debuts in theaters on June 28.
5
5