Kevin Costner's Ex-Wife Christine Baumgartner Is Allegedly Dating The Actor's Banker Friend

Just four months after her divorce from Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner has entered a new romance with financier Josh Connor. The new couple's connection reportedly blossomed over time, with a trip to Hawaii for Christmas and a visit to New York.

Baumgartner and Costner settled their divorce in September after 18 years of marriage. The former couple requested privacy in a joint statement.

According to Daily Mail, Baumgartner is in a new relationship, merely four months after her divorce from Hollywood star Costner. The 49-year-old was spotted in her Range Rover, as she dropped off her new partner, financier Josh Connor, who became legally single in January 2023 at his Montecito home, located just minutes away from hers.

The lovebirds were reportedly spotted visiting each other's homes and sharing vacations. According to a source, the couple flew on a private jet to Hawaii for Christmas time. They were photographed in Hawaii last July, enjoying their time together.

Insiders have disclosed to the publication that the blossoming romance between Baumgartner and Connor has been quietly developing for a considerable period.

Per the insider, the couple, who share a connection through their daughters' close friendship, "are together, and they have been for a while."

The source added, "They spent time before Christmas together in Hawaii while Kevin was presumably in Aspen with the kids. They also made a trip to New York together. She hasn't been doing much to hide what's going on from her friends."

The source also noted that in addition to their daughters' friendship, Baumgartner and Connor have been friends for years as they both live in Montecito.

However, the dynamics between Baumgartner and her financier beau shifted from a platonic friendship to a more romantic connection, drawing attention during her divorce battle with Costner.

Despite assertions made under oath by Baumgartner, denying a romantic involvement with Connor during an evidentiary hearing in Santa Barbara, scrutiny intensified over a July vacation and a $20,000 loan.

In tears, the actress explained the loan's purpose, revealing that it addressed financial gaps after Costner's discontinued support of $5,000 to her parents monthly. She disclosed that $10,000 had been paid to her mother and emphasized her intent to repay the amount.

Contrary to Baumgartner's previous denials of her involvement with Connor, eyewitnesses observed an apparent closeness between her and the divorced father of three during a July vacation.

Photos captured moments of shared laughter and a seemingly cozy atmosphere, and an insider shared with the outlet that Baumgartner "sat with the guy at a corner table."

The source continued: "They started off across the table from each other and she was laughing a lot at whatever he was saying. She was showing him photos from her phone, and he moved to the seat next to her so they were both facing the water."

They added: "It's hard to say if there was anything going on with them, but he did put his hand on her leg at one point that I saw. That was the only actual physical interaction. Her suite is right next to the guy's suite. He had the drinks charged to his room and they left together right before sunset."

In May 2023, Baumgartner initiated divorce proceedings against Costner to put an end to their 18-year marriage. Citing irreconcilable differences with a separation date of April 11, the former handbag designer embarked on a contentious legal battle, seeking $165,000 in monthly child support.

She aimed to overturn their prenuptial agreement, which offered a one-time payment of $1.5 million and no alimony. Highlighting their extravagant lifestyle, including an $11 million annual expenditure, Baumgartner's request for a $100,000 monthly rental to provide a "comparable" lifestyle" for her children was met with skepticism by Judge Thomas Anderle.

Eventually, the former couple settled their divorce on September 19, with Baumgartner being awarded $63,209 for child support, a far cry from what she initially asked for.

As reported by People magazine, a rep of the "Yellowstone" actor shared a joint statement which read: "It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action."

"We ask that his, Christine's, and their children's privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time," the statement concluded.