Kevin Costner felt ‘sucker-punched’ on learning of ex Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor’s engagement

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kevin Costner’s ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, 50, recently said 'yes’ when she was proposed by Josh Connor, the man who the ‘Yellowstone’ star reportedly considered a friend.

While the couple has been rumored to be going strong for quite a few months, a source recently revealed that the Oscar-winning actor, who celebrated his 70th birthday on January 18, felt “sucker-punched” upon learning the news of his ex’s engagement. 

Speaking to Daily Mail, a source shared that while the news was by no means surprising to friends of the couple, it came as a shock “betrayal” for the ‘Horizon’ star, who heard about the recent development from his children.

Kevin Costner felt ‘sucker-punched’ upon learning about Christine Baumgartner’s engagement

Less than a year after finalizing her divorce from Kevin Costner, his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner has moved on with Josh Connor as the handsome financier, 49, recently got down on one knee and popped the question during an intimate dinner earlier this week. 

However, as per sources, while Costner expected to learn about the news from Baumgartner herself, it was his children who informed him about the same. 

Highlighting that the news came as a shocking “betrayal" to the actor, the insider shared with the outlet, “Kevin said he felt sucker-punched when his kids told him about the marriage proposal.”

“He said he would have preferred to have heard it straight from Christine, but either way, it still feels like betrayal even after all this time,” continued the source before adding that at least the newly engaged couple waited a week after Costner’s birthday to take the step forward. 

“He just celebrated his birthday, thank God they waited at least a week to make the announcement,” added the source. 

According to other sources, the couple got engaged in the January 26 weekend during an intimate dinner in Santa Barbara, as reported by People.

Their engagement also came just 11 months after the star and his estranged ex-wife settled their acrimonious divorce battle regarding child custody and spousal support. 

Costner and Baumgartner - who were married for 19 years and share their children, Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14 - separated in May 2023, and finalized their divorce in February 2024.

Dating is not a ‘priority right now’ for Kevin Costner 

The source further shed light on the ‘Dances with Wolves’ star’s dating life, as they claimed Kevin Costner is not looking to find a new woman in his life right now. 

“As far as dating, Kevin said it's just not a priority right now. He said he's not opposed to it and if it happens it happens,” claimed the source. 

Costner, who recently turned 70, was seen partying with fellow A-listers in Aspen, Colorado, including the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Jeff Bezos and others. 

Meanwhile, the actor is also focusing on his career as he unveiled his latest television project, ‘Yellowstone to Yosemite’, which will be shown on Fox News-owned streaming service FoxNation. 

The ‘Yellowstone’ star’s latest project will be premiering on February 8 and will follow President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir's Yosemite expedition in 1903.  

Speaking of his dedication to work, the source shared, “Kevin will do what he always does and that's focus on his kids and his work.”

“He's premiering 'Horizon 2' at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, his docuseries is coming out soon and he's got his music and of course his best friend Bobby,” continued the source while referencing his canine friend who appeared on the cover of Doug Magazine as well. 

The insider gushed, “Thank god for that dog, he's been there with Kevin through it all, bringing him and the kids so much joy,” before adding, “Kevin was bragging about Bobby being on the cover of Dogue Magazine and how he's a celebrity in his own right.”