After the storm of her high-profile divorce from Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner has made headlines once again—this time, with a sparkling engagement ring and a familiar face by her side.
Josh Connor, a longtime friend of the family and former neighbor, has officially put a ring on it. Their relationship, once shrouded in tabloid speculation, has now taken center stage, and fans can’t stop talking.
But while the internet buzzes, Kevin Costner remains quiet—choosing silence over headlines. Here’s the full story of the engagement, the relationship’s backstory, and the ripple effect it’s causing in the Costner-Baumgartner saga.
From Divorce Papers to Diamond Rings
Let’s rewind. Christine filed for divorce in May 2023 after 18 years of marriage with Kevin. The split was messy—prenups, custody battles, accusations, and courtroom drama made it tabloid gold.
By early 2024, whispers began linking Christine to a man named Josh Connor. Who is he? Not some random stranger—he’s a longtime friend of the Costner family and even lived nearby.
Now, in January 2025, the whispers have turned into headlines.
The Santa Barbara Engagement Everyone’s Talking About
Christine and Josh were spotted vacationing in Santa Barbara, where—according to insiders—the proposal happened right on the beach. No paparazzi shots of the moment itself have surfaced, but multiple eyewitnesses reported a visible ring and lots of celebrating.
Friends close to Christine say the proposal was “intimate, thoughtful, and long overdue.”
Who Is Josh Connor? The Man Behind the Ring
Josh isn’t some flashy celebrity. He’s a private, successful financier who has kept a low profile, despite the growing media attention. But what really makes this relationship intriguing is his personal history with the Costner family.
Sources confirm Josh and Kevin knew each other well. In fact, Josh was a trusted friend of both Kevin and Christine during their marriage.
So, how did a friendship turn into romance?
From Family Friend to Fiancé: A Timeline
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Pre-2023: Josh is a longtime friend and neighbor to the Costner family
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Mid-2023: Christine is spotted spending time with Josh post-divorce filing
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Late 2023: Rumors surface that their bond may be romantic
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January 2025: Engagement confirmed following beach vacation
Their relationship seems to have developed slowly but intentionally, especially after Christine’s divorce was finalized.
Kevin Costner’s Reaction? Radio Silence
While Christine is moving forward, Kevin Costner hasn’t made a single public comment about the engagement. Not on social media. Not in interviews. Not even through his representatives.
Is he being classy? Avoiding drama? Or simply stunned by how close to home this new relationship hits?
How Fans Are Reacting to Christine’s Engagement
Social media lit up once the news broke. Here’s the general mood:
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Some congratulate Christine, calling her brave for starting over after such a dramatic divorce.
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Others feel uncomfortable, pointing out that dating a family friend feels a bit “too close to home.”
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A few hardcore Costner fans see this as a betrayal.
Whether you’re cheering her on or raising an eyebrow, it’s hard to ignore the boldness of this new chapter.
Is This a Rebound or the Real Deal?
Skeptics have questioned whether this is just a rebound from her split with Kevin. But friends close to Christine insist this is anything but casual.
According to one source, “Josh has been there for her in the quiet moments—through court battles, through parenting stress, through everything.”
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it. And sometimes, it’s been next door the whole time.
Kevin and Christine: Where Do They Stand Now?
The ex-couple share three children and, despite the drama of their split, have reportedly worked hard to maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship.
But now that Christine is officially engaged to someone who was once part of Kevin’s inner circle, will things stay civil?
No one knows for sure—but Costner’s silence speaks volumes.
A Relationship That Began in the Shadows?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Was this romance already blossoming before the divorce?
Christine publicly denied any romantic involvement with Josh during her marriage to Kevin. She said they only grew close after she and Kevin separated. But with their history and proximity, speculation persists.
Christine’s Fresh Start: A Life Beyond Kevin
This engagement signals something big—Christine isn’t just surviving post-divorce, she’s thriving. From court battles to beach proposals, she’s showing the world she’s not defined by being “Kevin Costner’s ex.”
She’s creating her own story, and apparently, she’s doing it with someone who knows her far beyond the public headlines.
How the Media Is Covering the Engagement
Mainstream outlets like People, ETOnline, and Page Six have all reported on the engagement—some more favorably than others.
What’s consistent, though, is the fascination with how personal this relationship feels, especially considering Josh’s connection to the Costner family.
Publicity, Privacy, and Everything In Between
Christine and Josh have kept things mostly low-key—until now. Their engagement is public, but there’s no flashy photo spread, no tell-all interview (yet), and no official wedding date.
They seem focused on their inner circle, not public approval.
What Comes Next? A Wedding on the Horizon
No date has been announced, but insiders say the couple wants to keep it simple and private. Think beach ceremony, close friends, kids involved, and no media circus.
Christine’s already been through a high-profile wedding. This time? She’s opting for something real and intimate.
Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter, and a Lot of Unanswered Questions
Christine Baumgartner’s engagement to Josh Connor is more than just a celebrity relationship update—it’s a plot twist in one of Hollywood’s messiest breakups.
She’s choosing love again, even if it raises a few eyebrows. And Kevin? For now, he’s keeping his thoughts to himself.
Whether you see this as poetic justice or a dramatic rebound, one thing is clear: Christine’s not looking back—she’s walking barefoot on a beach with a diamond on her finger.
FAQs
1. Is Christine Baumgartner really engaged to Josh Connor?
Yes. Multiple sources confirmed their engagement took place in Santa Barbara in January 2025.
2. How does Kevin Costner feel about the engagement?
Kevin has not made any public comment, and his team has remained silent.
3. Was Josh Connor close to the Costner family before the divorce?
Yes. He was a longtime family friend and former neighbor, which has added complexity to the situation.
4. Did Christine and Josh begin their relationship before her divorce?
Christine denies any romantic involvement during her marriage. She claims the relationship started after her separation.
5. Will Christine and Josh have a public wedding?
As of now, no date has been announced. Sources say they’re planning something private and low-key.
