Kevin Costner's ex Christine Baumgartner engaged to former neighbor Josh Connor a year after divorce

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Christine Baumgartner, the ex-wife of actor Kevin Costner, is engaged to financier Josh Connor, a year after finalizing her divorce from the Hollywood star.

The 50-year-old handbag designer and Connor, a former neighbor and friend of the couple, are now taking their relationship to the next level after a period of dating privately.

Christine Baumgartner engaged to Josh Connor after surprise proposal

The couple got engaged on January 26 in an intimate setting that Christine Baumgartner, 50, thought was just a casual dinner for two in Santa Barbara, but it turned out to be a life-changing moment when Connor had a romantic surprise in store.

A source close to Costner and Connor shared with PEOPLE magazine, "It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee."

The proposal didn’t catch the couple’s inner circle off guard. The source added, "They spent Christmas in New York together last month, where it all began. They are both over the moon and excited for their future together."

The couple first made headlines in July 2023 during a romantic getaway to Hawaii, sparking speculation about their growing relationship. In January 2024, a friend of Baumgartner confirmed their romance.

Christine Baumgartner’s relationship with Josh Connor grows stronger

In December 2024, a source revealed, “Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation. They share the same values, and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship.”

The source further remarked, “They’re so in love. It’s been a very natural and positive step forward for Christine.” Baumgartner’s friends have shown immense support for her relationship with Connor.

An insider shared, "Anyone who knows Christine knows how she has dedicated her life to her family. They do a lot together, and caring for her kids has remained very focus this whole time."

"Her friends and family have been incredibly supportive of her relationship with Josh, and everyone can tell how happy they are together. Now, everyone wants to know when and where the wedding will be!" the insider added.

The engagement comes one year after Baumgartner finalized her divorce from actor Kevin Costner in February 2024. The couple, married for 18 years, shares three children: Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14.

Internet slams Christine Baumgartner

Christine Baumgartner is facing backlash on Facebook, with many users criticizing her for allegedly not showing enough concern for her ex-husband, Kevin Costner, following her recent engagement to Josh Connor.

Rather than receiving congratulatory messages, the comments section is filled with users expressing disappointment, questioning her focus on her new relationship instead of acknowledging the emotional toll her divorce may have had on Costner.

A  user claimed, "She was obviously seeing him before they divorced."

Another added, "That's horrible. I'll never"

One commentator remarked, "These celebrities are so weird."

"Pitiful Wife & Pitiful Friend...a perfect match for each other." said someone else.

A person asked, "That friend is not aware, what kind of a person she is?"

Other chimed in, "Her karma,he will cheat on her"

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