Kevin Costner and his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner kept things frosty on Friday as they attended their son Cayden’s high school graduation.
The Oscar-winner, 70, and the former handbag designer, 51, finalized their bitter divorce in February 2024 after a highly publicized legal showdown.
The Daily Mail recently published photos depicting a somewhat frosty interaction between Kevin Costner and his ex-partner, Christine Baumgartner, as they came together to celebrate their son Cayden’s high school graduation in Santa Barbara. Notably, Christine is currently engaged to Costner’s former friend, Josh Connor, adding a layer of complexity to the gathering.
Though more than a year has passed since their blockbuster legal battle, the graduation made it clear the rift hasn’t fully healed.
The exes kept their distance, carefully avoiding interaction and sidestepping any direct encounters.
In contrast, the father of seven looked giddy as he happily posed with Cayden, 18, and daughter Lily, 38, who he shares with ex-wife Cindy Silva.
An insider has given a candid insight into the pair’s awkward reunion as they endeavored to ‘put their differences aside.’
As captured in the pictures, there was a visible sense of distance between Costner and Baumgartner, with their son Cayden appearing somewhat awkward as he tried to navigate the tension between his parents. Nevertheless, there were moments of unity, such as Costner proudly embracing Cayden for a photo and sharing heartfelt moments with his other children, including Lily, Annie, and Joe.
Despite the underlying tension, the occasion marked a significant milestone in Cayden’s life, with both Costner and Baumgartner taking part in the celebration, albeit in separate spheres. The images provide a glimpse into the complexities of co-parenting dynamics, especially in the context of past relationships and new acquaintances.
The Oscar-winning actor, 70, and the former handbag designer, 51, (pictured on left with the former couple’s daughter Grace, 15) kept their distance at the event
Costner and Baumgartner finalized their divorce after a 19 year marriage in 2024 – with their blockbuster legal battle playing out in the public eye – pictured 2022
The source said: ‘They obviously knew each other were there but neither made any effort to interact with each other. It is pointless. The good days that they had in the past are long gone.’
They added ‘the day was all about Cayden, to celebrate him, to celebrate the achievement of graduating,’ and while ‘the less time that Kevin is around Christine, the better,’ both parents put their differences aside for their son.
‘Stuff like this takes precedence,’ the insider said. ‘So, being in the same place at the same time can be challenging, but at least it was buffered by a wonderful and amazing achievement and moment.
‘Cayden loved that his parents were there to support him, it was a fun day and everyone knows the drill.
‘Kevin loves his kids and made sure that his issues with Christine made no appearance to the festivities.’
As for the former couple’s dynamic, the source noted: ‘From time to time, this is Kevin’s new normal. His interaction with Christine is extremely minimal and this was no different.
‘It is better off that way, nobody wants issues or arguments around special moments like this.
‘Everyone stayed away, got through it and Cayden was happy and Kevin and Christine were happy for Cayden.’
Dressed casually in a pale shirt, white pants, and a light jacket, Costner kept a low profile behind sunglasses during the event.
Cayden and Kevin were all smiles during the festivities
Dressed casually in a pale shirt, white pants, and a light jacket, Costner kept a low profile behind sunglasses
The insider added that ‘the day was all about Cayden, to celebrate him, to celebrate the achievement of graduating,’ and while ‘the less time that Kevin is around Christine, the better,’ both parents put their differences aside for their son
Christine, for her part, looked radiant in a floral dress, flashing a wide smile as she posed for photos with Cayden
‘They obviously knew each other were there but neither made any effort to interact with each other,’ an insider exclusively told DailyMail.com
At one point, he wrapped his arms around Cayden for a proud photo and also posed with daughter Annie, 41, and son Joe, 37, his other children with Silva.
Costner’s large blended family also includes son Liam, 28, from his relationship with Bridget Rooney.
Kevin and Christine’s other children — Hayes Logan, 16, and Grace Avery, 15 — were also in attendance at the graduation, posing for photos with Cayden.
Christine, for her part, looked radiant in a floral dress, flashing a wide smile as she posed for photos with Cayden.
She appeared relaxed and upbeat, keeping her attention focused on her son and steering clear of her former husband.
At one moment during the ceremony, Kevin was seen watching from the stands alone, before relocating to sit beside Lily, where he greeted her with a warm hug.
Baumgartner filed for divorce from Costner in May 2023 citing irreconcilable differences.
Costner was ultimately ordered to pay $63,209 per month in child support — a far cry from the staggering $248,000 Christine had initially requested.
The animosity also led to Baumgartner being ordered to vacate Costner’s $145 million beachfront estate in Carpinteria just two months after filing for divorce.
Given Kevin and Christine’s contentious history, the frosty reunion comes as little surprise — DailyMail.com recently reported that tension continues to simmer behind the scenes.
She appeared relaxed and upbeat, keeping her attention focused on her son and steering clear of her former husband
‘Stuff like this takes precedence,’ the source said of the family event. ‘So, being in the same place at the same time can be challenging, but at least it was buffered by a wonderful and amazing achievement and moment’
The source went on to say, ‘Cayden loved that his parents were there to support him, it was a fun day and everyone knows the drill’
Although unconfirmed, it appeared that Kevin and Christine’s other children — Hayes Logan, 16, and Grace Avery, 15 — were also in attendance at the graduation, posing for photos with Cayden
The proud mom snapped a sweet photo
As previously revealed by DailyMail.com, Christine is quietly planning a tropical wedding with her fiancé, financier Connor, just 18 months after her split from the Yellowstone star.
Christine and Josh’s relationship has sparked controversy since the beginning.
During a heated court hearing in August 2023, Costner accused his ex of cheating on him with Connor—who was once a close friend and neighbor to the couple.
Christine denied the claims under oath, but by January 2024, their romance had become public knowledge.
At one moment during the ceremony, Kevin was seen watching from the stands alone
Kevin relocated to sit beside Lily, where he greeted her with a warm hug
The father-daughter duo appeared in good spirits, chatting and smiling throughout the event
Lily leaned in for an intimate conversation
‘Kevin loves his kids and made sure that his issues with Christine made no appearance to the festivities,’ the source said
As for the former couple’s dynamic, the source noted: ‘From time to time, this is Kevin’s new normal’
As previously revealed by DailyMail.com, Christine is quietly planning a tropical wedding with her fiancé, financier Josh Connor, just 18 months after her split from the Yellowstone star
Costner’s large blended family also includes son Liam, 28, from his relationship with Bridget Rooney
Recently, Costner appears to be enjoying single life, embracing his freedom with confidence and renewed energy
Baumgartner is now engaged to his former friend Josh Connor, less than two years after splitting from the Hollywood icon – pictured April 2024
Meanwhile, Costner appears to be enjoying single life, embracing his freedom with confidence and renewed energy.
In May, he was spotted getting cozy with a much-younger brunette at a West Hollywood nightclub.
The Dances with Wolves star has also been linked to a string of high-profile women including singer Jewel, actress Sharon Stone, and Hoda Kotb.
