Who Is Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife? All About Christine Baumgartner

Kevin Costner is a household name, a legendary actor known for iconic roles in Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, and more recently, Yellowstone. But behind the silver screen, his personal life, especially his marriage to Christine Baumgartner, has captivated fans and media alike. If you’re wondering who Christine Baumgartner really is and what her life was like alongside Kevin Costner, you’ve come to the right place.

The Early Life of Christine Baumgartner

Christine Baumgartner hails from California, where she cultivated a passion for design and entrepreneurship. Before she met Costner, she had already made a name for herself as a handbag designer, especially known for her brand Cat Bag Couture. Her designs blended style and practicality, particularly her chic laptop bags that filled a gap in the market. Christine’s creative drive was evident early on, making her a successful businesswoman even before her celebrity marriage.

How Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner Met

Their love story began in 1998, reportedly at a restaurant where the two crossed paths by chance. It wasn’t long before their relationship blossomed into something serious. Over time, their bond grew stronger, culminating in a wedding that reflected both glamour and rustic charm. In September 2004, they tied the knot at Costner’s expansive 160-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado — a perfect blend of Kevin’s rugged Western roots and Christine’s sophisticated style.

A Marriage Built on Family and Creativity

For nearly two decades, Kevin and Christine built a life that balanced family, business, and the entertainment spotlight. They welcomed three children together: Cayden Wyatt (born 2007), Hayes Logan (born 2009), and Grace Avery (born 2010). Christine embraced her role as a mother while continuing her entrepreneurial journey, maintaining a steady presence away from the constant Hollywood buzz.

Christine Baumgartner’s Career and Personal Brand

While many know her as Kevin Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner carved her own path in the fashion and design world. Her brand Cat Bag Couture gained attention for its unique take on laptop bags — turning everyday tech accessories into stylish fashion statements. She successfully tapped into a niche market, combining utility with elegance. Baumgartner’s business savvy helped her maintain an identity outside of the Hollywood sphere.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

Despite the picture-perfect public image, Kevin and Christine’s marriage wasn’t without challenges. After almost 20 years, Christine filed for divorce in May 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal process was anything but smooth, with disputes over child support and the prenuptial agreement. Initially, Christine sought $175,000 per month for child support, but a judge later adjusted this to approximately $63,000 per month.

How the Divorce Unfolded

The divorce officially wrapped up in February 2024, bringing a close to what was once a long-standing Hollywood marriage. The split was widely covered, with many curious about the reasons and how it would affect their family. Despite the separation, both parties have focused on co-parenting their children and moving forward with their lives.

Christine Baumgartner’s Life After Divorce

Post-divorce, Christine’s personal life has taken some positive turns. She confirmed a relationship with Joshua Connor, a longtime family friend and financier. The couple announced their engagement in January 2025, signaling a new chapter in Christine’s life. Her move from the family home in Carpinteria to a rented place in Montecito, California, marks a fresh start away from the spotlight.

What Fans Don’t Know About Christine Baumgartner

• She’s More Than a Celebrity Spouse: Christine’s entrepreneurial success shows she’s more than “Kevin Costner’s ex-wife.”

• Family First: Even amid personal changes, she prioritizes her children’s well-being.

• Private and Low-Key: Unlike many celebrity exes, Christine keeps a relatively low profile, focusing on her business and family.

Kevin Costner’s Perspective

Kevin has rarely spoken in depth about the divorce publicly, but he continues to be dedicated to his children and his career. His focus remains on projects like Yellowstone and upcoming films, while maintaining a respectful co-parenting relationship with Christine.

The Impact of Celebrity Marriages on Public Perception

Kevin and Christine’s story highlights the intense scrutiny celebrity marriages endure. What looks glamorous from the outside often hides complex personal struggles. This marriage, like many others in Hollywood, serves as a reminder that fame doesn’t shield anyone from real-life challenges.

What This Means for Their Children

Their three children will likely experience life split between two households, but both parents have expressed commitment to keeping their kids’ best interests at heart. Navigating co-parenting in the public eye is tough, but both Kevin and Christine appear focused on providing stability.

Lessons from Christine Baumgartner’s Journey

• Balance is Key: Christine balanced motherhood, business, and a high-profile marriage for years.

• Self-Identity Matters: Building a personal brand helped her stand on her own outside the shadow of celebrity.

• Starting Over is Possible: Her engagement post-divorce shows resilience and hope.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just ‘Kevin Costner’s Ex’

Christine Baumgartner’s story is rich with entrepreneurial spirit, family dedication, and personal growth. She was never just the woman beside Kevin Costner — she was and is a formidable person in her own right. Whether through her designs, motherhood, or new relationships, Christine continues to define her own path.

Conclusion

The tale of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner is more than just a celebrity marriage saga. It’s a narrative about growth, resilience, and finding oneself amid the pressures of fame. Christine’s journey reminds us that behind every headline is a real person with dreams, challenges, and the power to start fresh.

FAQs

1. Who is Christine Baumgartner?
Christine Baumgartner is a handbag designer and entrepreneur, known for her brand Cat Bag Couture and her marriage to actor Kevin Costner.

2. How long were Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner married?
They were married for nearly 20 years, from 2004 until their divorce finalized in 2024.

3. Do Kevin and Christine have children?
Yes, they have three children together: two sons, Cayden Wyatt and Hayes Logan, and a daughter, Grace Avery.

4. What led to their divorce?
Christine filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, but specific personal reasons remain private.

5. What is Christine Baumgartner doing now?
Post-divorce, Christine is engaged to financier Joshua Connor and continues to focus on her personal and professional life.