A Look Back at Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s Relationship Journey
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s Relationship Timeline: From Fairytale Beginnings to a Bittersweet Ending
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner were married for nearly two decades, tying the knot in 2004 and finalizing their divorce in 2023. But their relationship was far from simple. Here’s a look back at their 20-year journey together, complete with family milestones and public appearances — and a few bumps along the way.
Before Christine: Kevin Costner’s First Marriage
Long before meeting Christine, Kevin Costner was married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994. The couple had three children together: Annie, Lily, and Joe. Here’s a rare photo featuring Costner with all his kids — including those he later had with Christine — and Baumgartner herself, a model and Cal State Fullerton graduate.
1996: Kevin Meets Christine
While training for his role in Tin Cup alongside co-star Rene Russo, Costner met Christine Baumgartner. At the time, he was in a relationship with Bridget Rooney, and he and Christine wouldn’t begin dating until later.
1998: A Romance Begins
By 1998, Kevin and Christine were officially a couple. They soon became regulars on red carpets, their chemistry hard to miss. Around this time, Christine launched a successful handbag line, showcasing her own entrepreneurial drive.
Circa 2003: A Temporary Split
Not all was smooth sailing — the couple briefly split in the early 2000s.
2003: Christine’s Ultimatum
Christine reportedly gave Kevin an ultimatum: commit to building a family or go separate ways. Costner, then in his 50s, admitted he was hesitant about being an older father. After some reflection, he decided to take the leap.
2003: Engaged at Last
On June 26, 2003, Kevin and Christine announced their engagement. This moment marked the start of a new chapter for both.
2004: A Dream Wedding in Aspen
The couple exchanged vows on September 25, 2004, in a private ceremony at Costner’s picturesque ranch in Aspen, Colorado.
2007: The Family Grows
On May 6, 2007, Kevin and Christine welcomed their first child together, Cayden Wyatt Costner. Kevin was 52 at the time and had embraced fatherhood once again.
2009: Baby Hayes Joins the Family
Their second son, Hayes Logan Costner, was born on February 12, 2009. Though baby pictures are scarce, their growing family life was full of joy.
2010: A Daughter Completes the Family
Just over a year later, on June 2, 2010, the couple welcomed their third child, Grace Avery Costner — their first daughter together. Here’s a rare 2015 family photo capturing the full crew.
2013: Career Highs and Family Pride
By 2013, Costner was celebrating a Golden Globe win for Hatfields & McCoys. His acting career saw a resurgence, and just a few years later, he would take on the role of John Dutton in Yellowstone — a defining moment in his later career.
2020: Pandemic Reflections
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Costner shared with People magazine how he grew to appreciate Christine’s role in keeping their household strong. He joked about the kids teaming up to get around their mom’s rules: “I can feel them working me… I know when they’ve already heard ‘no.’”
2022: Final Red Carpet Appearance
The couple’s last major public appearance came at the 2022 Academy Awards. When the 2023 Golden Globes rolled around, Christine supported Kevin from home due to flooding — a subtle sign of shifting tides.
May 2023: Christine Files for Divorce
In May 2023, Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. A statement from Kevin’s team read:
“It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action… We ask that his, Christine’s, and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
Despite these requests, the divorce soon became public and contentious.
Summer 2023: A Highly Public Divorce Battle
Media outlets picked up on heated court filings, including disputes over child support (Christine requested $248,000 per month; Kevin countered with $130,000) and housing arrangements. Costner ultimately requested that Christine vacate the family estate, escalating tensions further.
September 2023: Divorce Settlement Finalized
After months of legal wrangling, the couple reached a settlement in September 2023. While full details were not disclosed, reports suggest Costner paid slightly more than the prenup required in exchange for Christine dropping further challenges. A joint statement read:
“Kevin and Christine Costner have come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution of all issues pertaining to their divorce proceedings.”
