Christine Baumgartner Engaged to Kevin Costner’s Former Friend Josh Connor

Christine Baumgartner, the ex-wife of Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, has found new happiness after a very public and contentious divorce. She is now engaged to financier Josh Connor, who was once a close friend and neighbor of Costner himself. The couple’s romance has quietly blossomed over the past year, culminating in a heartfelt proposal on the beach in Santa Barbara, California.

The Proposal

On January 26, 2025, Connor, 49, proposed to Baumgartner, 50, during a quiet moment on the beach—just under a year after her divorce was finalized.

“It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” a source revealed.

The couple had recently spent Christmas together in New York City, where their relationship first took off. Friends describe them as “over the moon” and excited for their future together.

A Relationship Years in the Making

Josh Connor’s Connection: Connor’s ties to both Baumgartner and Costner go back years, as he lived nearby during their marriage.
Public Sightings: Baumgartner and Connor were first seen together publicly on a family trip to Hawaii in July 2023, accompanied by her three children with Costner:

Cayden, 17
Hayes, 15
Grace, 14

From Friendship to Romance: Initially described as platonic, their relationship gradually became romantic. By early 2024, sources confirmed they were indeed a couple.

Navigating a High-Profile Divorce

Baumgartner filed for divorce from Costner in May 2023 after 18 years of marriage, and the couple officially separated on April 11, 2023. The split was highly publicized, with Costner ordered to pay $63,209 per month in child support.

Though Costner has not publicly commented on his ex-wife’s engagement, sources claim he suspected a romantic connection between Baumgartner and Connor before their relationship became public.

Support and Happiness

“Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation,” a friend shared.
“They share the same values, and she feels happy and supported. It’s been a very natural and positive step forward for Christine.”

With her romance with Connor now official, Baumgartner is embracing a new chapter—one built on friendship, trust, and shared values.

Christine Baumgartner’s engagement marks a hopeful new beginning after a difficult year, showing that even after heartbreak, happiness can be found in unexpected places.