Kevin Costner Felt ‘Sucker-Punched’ By His Ex-Wife’s Engagement

The actor and Baumgartner were married for over 18 years before filing for divorce in May 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Amid their divorce, Kevin Costner was also reported to have had “suspicions” about Christine Baumgartner’s relationship with his then-friend Josh Connor.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Connor proposed to Baumgartner during a romantic dinner at the beach.

Although friends of the newly engaged couple were not surprised by the news, Baumgartner’s ex-husband, Costner, was stunned by the “betrayal” after he learned about it from their kids.

“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 continued, “He just celebrated his birthday, thank God they waited at least a week to make the announcement.”

People Magazine first 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.

While Baumgartner has moved on to a new relationship, Costner has remained single since their slit despite being romantically linked to A-listers such as Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Stone.

The actor is said to be focused on his children and his work. He recently announced his new TV show, “Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner,” which will premiere on February 8.

“Kevin will do what he always does and that’s focus on his kids and his work,” the source told the Daily Mail.

“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,” they continued. “Thank god for that dog, he’s been there with Kevin through it all, bringing him and the kids so much joy.”

The source further noted that dating is not a “priority” for the actor, 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.

According to TMZ, Baumgartner’s fiancé, Connor, put his Montecito home on the market for $7.3 million shortly before his engagement to the bag designer.

Connor, a founding partner of Connor Capital SB, will make a significant profit if he sells the property for its current asking price. He is said to have purchased the 2,899-square-foot property for $2.2 million in 2022.

While the home may not be as large as others in the affluent Montecito area, it reportedly screams luxury thanks to features such as its massive spa and loungers, electric car charging stations, and outdoor heaters.

The news outlet also notes that Connor’s home is seven miles from his former friend Cosnter’s Carpinteria pad.

With his recent engagement to the actor’s ex-wife, the financier might be looking to put some space between him and Costner as he focuses on his blooming relationship with Baumgartner.

During an appearance on “CBS Mornings,” Costner opened up once again about his divorce from Baumgartner.

The two share three children, Cayden Wyatt, 17, Hayes Logan, 15, and Grace Avery, 14, whom Costner continues to support with monthly child support payments.

According to the two-time Academy Awards winner, the loss of his marriage took an emotional toll on him, one that he found shocking.

He described the divorce as “a crushing moment,” adding, “It’s powerful and it hurt.” Although the actor didn’t specify how long he mourned, he did reveal that the key to moving on was his need to be there for his children, knowing that they are “looking at” him.

“I have to go forward, I have to continue to be who I am and keep a special eye on who they are,” the 69-year-old added, per Page Six.

Despite their messy divorce, Costner had a lot of kind words for his ex-wife, Baumgartner.

In an interview with People magazine, he confessed that his greatest fear about divorce became a reality when he parted ways with Baumgartner in 2023.

However, Costner described her as a “good mother and partner.” The actor also noted his sadness that he and Baumgartner “just weren’t able to go the distance” in their marriage.

“That was my fear, and so I’m kind of living with that right now. But that’s life,” Costner said.