*Christine Baumgartner’s Surprise Engagement: A Hollywood Twist**

Just when fans thought the drama surrounding Kevin Costner’s high-profile divorce had finally settled, another bombshell dropped. Christine Baumgartner, Costner’s ex-wife of nearly two decades, is now engaged—just a year after their split.

The surprising twist? Her fiancé, Josh Connor, is reportedly a former friend and neighbor of Costner’s. This shocking development has stirred up Hollywood, igniting debates and speculation about what truly happened behind the scenes.

From Fairytale Romance to Divorce Drama

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s love story began in 2004 when they tied the knot at Costner’s picturesque ranch in Aspen, Colorado. Their wedding was a rustic and romantic affair, symbolizing their big dreams and commitment to each other.

Christine, a former model turned handbag designer, was known for her understated elegance, while Kevin was already a Hollywood veteran. Together, they built a quiet life focused on family, welcoming three children—two sons and a daughter—while maintaining privacy and avoiding the spotlight. For nearly two decades, their marriage seemed rock solid.

However, things took an unexpected turn in May 2023 when Christine filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The move reportedly blindsided Kevin, who had just wrapped up filming projects and was focused on his family.

What followed was a messy legal battle over child support and the couple’s prenuptial agreement. Christine requested tens of thousands of dollars in monthly child support, while Kevin’s legal team pushed back. Ultimately, the court ordered him to pay $63,000 per month for their three children.

A New Romance Sparks Speculation

Not long after the divorce filing, rumors began circulating about Christine’s relationship with financier Josh Connor. While Christine denied any romantic involvement in court, claiming they were just friends, insiders speculated otherwise.

Josh wasn’t just any friend—he was a former neighbor and part of Kevin’s social circle. During Christine’s separation, Josh reportedly loaned her money, further fueling speculation about their closeness.

In January 2025, Josh proposed to Christine during a romantic dinner on the beach in Santa Barbara. Despite cloudy skies and light rain, she said yes, marking a new chapter in her life. The engagement shocked fans and insiders alike, as it came just one year after her divorce was finalized. While no wedding date has been announced, sources suggest the couple is already planning a destination ceremony, possibly in Hawaii.

Kevin Costner’s Reaction: Shock and Disappointment

Kevin reportedly found out about Christine’s engagement through their children, leaving him feeling blindsided. Friends close to the actor described his reaction as a “sucker punch.”

While Kevin has remained relatively quiet publicly, those close to him say he was hurt—not necessarily by Christine’s new relationship, but by how it unfolded. The fact that Josh was once a friend added another layer of emotional complexity.

Christine’s Perspective: A Fresh Start

Sources close to Christine say she’s happier than ever and didn’t enter the relationship lightly. After years in a marriage that ended on difficult terms, she’s found peace and joy with Josh. Christine has also focused on keeping her children’s lives as normal as possible, often being seen out and about with them.

Fallout Among Friends and Hollywood’s Tight Circles

The engagement has reportedly divided loyalties among mutual friends. Some of Kevin’s inner circle have distanced themselves from Christine and Josh, declining invitations to their upcoming wedding. Hollywood friendships are notoriously fragile, and this new romance has stirred up trust issues within their social scene.

Kevin’s Focus: Career, Family, and Healing

In the wake of the drama, Kevin has turned his attention to his career and family. He’s heavily involved in directing and promoting his Western saga *Horizon* and remains connected to fans of *Yellowstone* despite his departure from the show. More than anything, Kevin is focused on co-parenting his children and spending quality time with them.

Rumors about Kevin’s love life have also surfaced, particularly regarding singer Jewel, but both parties have downplayed the speculation. Kevin has stated he’s not rushing into romance and is taking life one day at a time.

A Complicated Hollywood Ending

Christine’s engagement has sparked debates about whether she moved on too quickly and whether Kevin’s heartbreak is justified. Regardless, both sides seem to agree that their priority is their children. Co-parenting remains the focus, even as the public continues to speculate about their personal lives.

The dramatic twist in Kevin and Christine’s story serves as a reminder that life moves fast—and not always in the direction you expect. While fans take sides and gossip swirls, both Kevin and Christine are finding their way forward, proving that Hollywood love stories are rarely simple.