Earlier this year, we reported that Kevin Costner’s ex-wife Christine Baumgartner got engaged to the Yellowstone star’s former Josh Connor. She’s reportedly currently secretly planning their lavish wedding just 18 months after her divorce from Costner was finalized.
Now, Costner’s feelings about all of this have been revealed.
‘Bittersweet’ For Costner
Understandably, it’s been difficult for Costner to see his ex-wife, who he was married to for 18 years, move on with his former best friend.
“It’s bittersweet for him,” a friend of Costner’s told Daily Mail.
“More bitter than sweet, so he says, but deep down he truly loves Christine and wants her to be happy,” the insider added. “She’s the mother of his children and he knows her joy trickles down to the kids.”
Costner and Baumgartner were married from 2004 until their divorce was finalized in February of last year. They are parents to three children: sons Cayden, 18, and Hayes, 16, and daughter Grace, 14.
Baumgartner Plans Lavish Wedding
Costner, 70, and Baumgartner, 51, married in Aspen in a star-studded ceremony attended by various A-listers. This time around, however, Baumgartner wants a more intimate wedding with Connor, 51. She reportedly wants a tropical wedding in Hawaii that is attended only by family and friends.
“Top of the list is Christine’s favorite place, the [Four Seasons] Hualalai Resort on the Big Island [of Hawaii],” another source alleged. “They both love the water, the beach, watching the sunset. A sunset wedding is a possibility.”
Baumgartner and Connor have travelled to Hawaii quite a bit. They spent Christmas there in December of 2023, just before her divorce was finalized.
Related: Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Christine Baumgartner Got Engaged To One of His Close Friends
Costner Accuses Baumgartner Of Cheating
Six months before that, Baumgartner and Connor enjoyed a Hawaiian vacation together with their respective daughters right as her divorce was heating up. This enraged Costner, who accused Baumgartner of cheating on him with Connor during an explosive court hearing in August of 2023.
“Respondent has no responsive documents for ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ in which he engaged because he engaged in none,” read court documents released at the time.
Costner’s lawyers also stated that he “does not know for a fact if [Christine] engaged in any ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ before separation and, if so, whether she spent any of his money or charged any expenses in furtherance of her affair(s) on credit cards he paid.”
Baumgartner denied Costner’s claims under oath. However, many found that hard to believe and sided with Costner on this one.
Connor’s History With Costner And Baumgartner
Connor is a managing director and co-portfolio manager who had lived next-door to Costner and Baumgartner for many years. He was best friends with Costner during that time, which likely makes this sting even more for the Oscar-winning Hollywood star.
Connor proposed to Baumgartner on a Santa Barbara beach back in January.
“It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” a source close to the couple told People Magazine at the time.
Friends of Baumgartner’s have defended her romance with Connor.
“Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation. They share the same values, and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship,” an insider said in December of 2024. “They’re so in love. It’s been a very natural and positive step forward for Christine.”
Related: Kevin Costner Felt ‘Sucker Punched’ When He Learned His Ex-Wife Is Engaged To His Former Friend
Baumgartner Has No Sympathy For Costner
As for Baumgartner, she doesn’t seem to care about what Costner thinks of her engagement to his former best friend.
“Christine doesn’t think Kevin has anything to complain about,” a source close to her alleged.
This has clearly been a very messy situation for everyone involved. In the end, we can certainly see why Costner might be struggling with the idea of his ex-wife getting married to his former best friend.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Costner during this difficult time!
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