However, her upcoming wedding is reportedly causing tensions with her and Costner’s mutual friends as they pick sides between the former couple.
Christine Baumgartner recently got engaged to Josh Connor, a financier who was once Kevin Costner’s close friend. This situation took Costner by surprise and left him feeling hurt.
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Kevin Costner’s ‘True Friends’ Reportedly Plan To Boycott His Ex-Wife’s Wedding
Baumgartner and Connor reportedly plan to tie the knot in an intimate wedding in Hawaii, attended by just close friends and family.
According to a source from the Daily Mail, the news of their engagement has created a rift among Baumgartner, Costner, and their mutual friends. Some have chosen to support Baumgartner and Connor, while others have sided with Costner.
The insider disclosed that Costner’s loyal friends have decided to distance themselves from Baumgartner and Connor. They have made it clear that they will not be attending the couple’s wedding, despite any potential invitations, as their allegiance lies firmly with Costner.
The Oscar winner and Baumgartner called it quits on their marriage of 18 years in May 2023. The former couple, who share three children, finalized their divorce in February 2024, with Baumgartner winning $63,000 in child support after initially demanding over $248,000 during their bitter court battle.
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Regarding their separation, the source noted that Costner has “come to terms” with it and also “understands where things went wrong” with the designer.
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Christine Baumgartner’s Engagement To Josh Conner Reportedly Left The Actor Feeling ‘Sucker-Punched’
According to a previous report, Costner was stunned after learning about Baumgartner’s engagement from their children.
“Kevin said he felt sucker-punched when his kids told him about the marriage proposal,” a close source told the Daily Mail. “He said he would have preferred to have heard it straight from Christine, but either way, it still feels like betrayal even after all this time.”
The source added, “He just celebrated his birthday, thank God they waited at least a week to make the announcement.”
People Magazine shared the news of Baumgartner’s engagement to Connor, with an insider describing the emotional moment to the news outlet.
“It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” the insider said about the engagement.
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Josh Connor Wants To Support Christine Baumgartner
Connor and Baumgartner were romantically linked even before the designer finalized her divorce from Costner.
However, despite the duo being spotted together before the end of her marriage, Baumgartner denied dating Connor during that period.
The couple has since been spotted enjoying low-key outings with light PDA.
“Josh knows he can give her what Kevin didn’t, even though he is a high-powered executive with his own demanding career,” an insider told theDaily Mail.
They added, “He also knows how important her children are to her, as his are to him. Trying to blend two families isn’t easy, but she’s worth it.”
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Kevin Costner Is Focusing On His Kids And Work
Costner, unlike his ex-wife, has remained single since their split despite being romantically linked to A-listers such as Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Stone.
The actor is reportedly focused on his children and his many film projects. “Kevin will do what he always does and that’s focus on his kids and his work,” a source said, per The Blast.
“He’s premiering ‘Horizon 2’ at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, his docuseries is coming out soon, and he’s got his music and, of course, his best friend Bobby,” the source added at the time. “Thank god for that dog, he’s been there with Kevin through it all, bringing him and the kids so much joy.”
They further noted that dating is not a “priority” for Costner, although he is still open to the idea of starting a new romance.
“As far as dating, Kevin said it’s just not a priority right now. He said he’s not opposed to it, and if it happens, it happens,” the source added.
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The Actor Gets ‘Hit On Everywhere He Goes’
While Costner isn’t dating seriously, he is reportedly “playing the field” as he gets hit on “everywhere he goes.”
Back in May, the “Yellowstone” star took some time out for himself at Raspoutine Night Club in West Hollywood, where he was seen enjoying the company of a young woman.
Costner was observed talking with the mystery brunette for nearly an hour and even bought her a specialty cocktail, but sources said the actor was just having fun and is not looking to settle.
“Every week it is another speculation that Kevin has found the one… but he isn’t looking for the one,” a source told the Daily Mail. “He won’t find another Christine, but he does have lots of options to occupy his time.”
“Kevin gets hit on everywhere he goes, and this is no different. He has lots of women who are vying for his time and attention,” the insider continued, adding that Costner is “playing the field” and “loving every second of it.”
