Christine Baumgartner’s second marriage reopens wounds from the actor’s painful 2024 divorce

Kevin Costner has weathered his fair share of heartbreak—both on screen and off. But the latest chapter in his real-life drama may be the hardest yet. Just months after finalizing his contentious divorce from Christine Baumgartner, the Yellowstone star is reportedly reeling from news that she’s married one of his former closest friends: financier Josh Connor.

The wedding, held on October 18th at a private vineyard in Santa Barbara, was described by attendees as “magical.” But behind the picturesque vows lies a trail of emotional wreckage—and fans say the betrayal hits especially hard.

A Fairytale Wedding Built on a Fractured Past

Christine’s marriage to Josh came just 20 months after her split from Costner, whom she’d been with for nearly two decades. Sources close to the actor say he was blindsided by the relationship. Though Christine and Josh were first publicly seen together in July 2023—during a vacation in Hawaii—it’s rumored their closeness began well before the divorce was finalized.

The couple’s romance quickly accelerated. They were engaged by January 2024 and spent the holidays together in New York with their blended families. Their wedding ceremony featured more than 100 guests, including Christine and Kevin’s three children. Christine wore a custom floral-embroidered gown by Mira Zwillinger, later changing into a sleek satin dress for the evening reception.

The atmosphere was reportedly joyful and intimate—but many fans interpreted the occasion as a pointed, public move against Costner, who learned of the engagement not from his ex, but from their children.

A Private Pain and a New Beginning

For Costner, who had already been navigating a painful personal and professional chapter—including his departure from Yellowstone and a lukewarm reception to his film Horizon—this new twist cut deep. Friends say the actor felt “shocked” and “abandoned” after learning of the marriage, especially given his former friendship with Josh Connor.

Despite the emotional toll, the Oscar-winning actor appears to be finding new balance. He’s quietly dating filmmaker and wellness advocate Kelly Noonan Gores, best known for her documentary Heal. The two have been seen together at several events, including a Labor Day weekend festival in Aspen, sparking rumors of a slow-burn romance.

Sources close to Costner say Gores is exactly what he needs: grounded, calm, and family-focused. She has young children of her own, which has reportedly deepened their connection. While they live in separate cities and are taking things slowly, their bond continues to grow.

A Difficult Divorce and Lingering Scars

Costner’s split from Christine was one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups of 2024. At the center of the storm: a bitter custody and financial dispute. Christine initially requested $248,000 per month in child support. The court ultimately awarded her $63,000 monthly, and she was ordered to vacate Costner’s $145 million beachfront estate.

Insiders say the actor emerged from the divorce “bruised and exhausted,” both emotionally and financially. The betrayal by a former best friend has only reopened those wounds. “He’s not angry,” one source said. “But he’s deeply hurt. This was someone he trusted.”

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles, both Christine and Kevin are building new lives. But the fallout from their split—and the complicated web of friendships and loyalties it unraveled—continues to cast a long shadow.

Will Costner find lasting happiness in this new chapter? Or will the ghosts of past betrayals keep him from fully healing?

One thing is certain: fans will be watching, hoping that the man who’s played America’s most iconic cowboys can find peace offscreen too.