Kevin Costner, the iconic star of Yellowstone and director of Horizon: An American Saga, recently spoke about his divorce from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. His rare public reflections show emotional honesty, strength, and dedication to his children as he navigates a new phase in life.
💔 Why His Divorce Was a Crushing Moment
Costner described the split after 18 years of marriage as “powerful” and “painful.” He told CBS Mornings with Gayle King that the divorce was a “crushing moment” and admitted, “It hurt.” Despite the emotional blow, he stated simply: “But I go forward.” It wasn’t resignation—it was a decision to keep moving.
🧒 It’s Really About the Children
With seven kids across three relationships, Costner’s priorities shifted immediately. The actor emphasized: “I have no choice—my children are looking at me.” He added, “I can’t wilt like a daisy.” His resolve stemmed from responsibility, not ego.
👨👩👧👦 Co-Parenting Focus and Emotional Strategy
Costner and Baumgartner ended with a joint custody agreement for their three youngest children: Cayden (17), Hayes (15), and Grace (14). He pledged to remain engaged, saying, “You keep talking, you keep coaching [the kids], you keep interested in what they’re interested in.”
Calling Baumgartner a “good partner [and] good mother,” Costner also noted, “We just weren’t able to go the distance.”
⚖️ The Divorce Battle and Settlement
The split began in May 2023 and finalized in February 2024. Baumgartner initially sought a staggering amount in child support—$248,000 monthly—but a judge settled support at roughly $63,209/month. They were also excused from mandatory co-parenting classes, per court documents.
Support disputes and prenup questions made the divorce highly public and legally contentious.
🛠️ Balancing Divorce with a Passion Project
While the divorce unfolded, Costner was fully committed to filming Horizon: An American Saga. He compared the process to chasing a “white whale,” saying he couldn’t let go of the rope—even on his hardest days. Despite being “bruised,” he was determined to fulfill his greater responsibility.
🧚 How Costner Co-Parented Through Pain
Costner admitted feeling “broken,” but refused to let despair stop him. He prioritized stability for his kids while managing the emotional whirlwind. Hayes, his son appearing in Horizon, stayed close on set, allowing father and son time together amid chaos
🧭 Building a New Chapter, But Not Closing the Door on Love
He remains cautiously optimistic about the future. While not currently romantically involved, Costner said he’s open to love again—just on his own terms.
🗓️ Summary Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2023 | Baumgartner files for divorce |
| September 2023 | Settlement nearly finalized; child support and prenup issues negotiated |
| February 2024 | Divorce legally finalized in court |
| June 2024 | Costner publicly reflects on pain, responsibility, and personal growth |
🌟 What Makes Costner’s Comments So Rare
Typically private about personal matters, Costner rarely speaks about emotional struggles. The fact that he described the divorce as “crushing” highlights how deeply the split affected him. His candid reflection resonates because it’s rare—and real.
🧠 Lessons in Resilience and Integrity
Costner’s emotional honesty offers a model for navigating heartbreak with dignity:
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Accept pain—but don’t let it control you
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Center children’s needs above personal grief
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Stick to commitments, even when life shifts dramatically
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Channel emotional energy into purposeful work
🌄 Setting His Eyes on the Horizon
As Costner promotes Horizon: An American Saga—his passion project funded largely from his own pocket—he remains rooted in vision and focus. He called his commitment to the project unwavering, despite personal turmoil.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s rare words about his divorce from Christine Baumgartner reflect a man grappling honestly with pain and responsibility. Calling the split “crushing” yet affirming, “I go forward,” he reminds us that resilience isn’t about avoiding hurt—it’s about persevering through it. With his children as motivation and his creative ambitions guiding him, Costner’s journey teaches us that even broken hearts can forge purpose.
🙋♂️ FAQS
Q1: What did Kevin Costner say about his divorce?
A: He called it a “crushing moment” that “hurt,” but emphasized he must move forward for the sake of his children.
Q2: How many kids do Costner and Baumgartner share?
A: They share three children: Cayden (17), Hayes (15), and Grace (14). They have joint custody.
Q3: Was the divorce settlement contentious?
A: Yes, Baumgartner initially sought over $200,000/month in child support. Final support was set at around $63,000, and their prenup was upheld. People.comPage SixReddit
Q4: How did Costner manage work during the divorce?
A: He continued working on Horizon, calling it a passion and a responsibility. He refused to let personal pain interfere with his commitment. AOLen.hocmarketing.orgVanity Fair
Q5: Is Kevin Costner interested in dating again?
A: He’s open to it, but remains focused on his children and creative projects for now.
