Is Kevin Costner’s Connection With This Public Figure a Strategic Move?
Kevin Costner & Hoda Kotb’s Flirtation Has Everyone Talking—But Is It Just for Show?
Ever since Kevin Costner finalized his divorce from Christine Baumgartner in September 2023, his love life has remained firmly in the spotlight. The 70-year-old actor has been loosely linked to a few A-listers, but at least one of those rumored connections may be more smoke than fire—possibly even a strategic bit of PR fun.
Costner and Today co-host Hoda Kotb, 60, have fueled dating speculation for the better part of a year with their charming, on-camera chemistry. But according to sources close to the pair, their flirty behavior might be more about laughs than love. “Hoda and Kevin do the whole flirting thing more for a gag than anything,” one insider shared. “They know it gets people buzzing, and they think it’s hilarious—but it’s not serious. They’re not trying to move beyond friendship.”
That playful energy was evident during Kotb’s appearance at the Runway for Recovery fashion show in New York City this past February. When asked about the rumors, she cheekily responded, “Isn’t it sort of weird that he always ends up where I am? I mean, I’m just living my life, and there he is. It just keeps happening. When is it not a coincidence anymore? That’s what I was wondering.”
Costner even made an unexpected appearance in Kotb’s Super Bowl photo roundup. The two were seen grinning together at the stadium, with Kotb’s arm draped around his shoulder and Costner flashing a sly smile. The moment was cute, but those in the know insist the interaction was completely platonic.
Their lighthearted flirtation really caught fire during Costner’s Today show appearance in June 2024 to promote Horizon: An American Saga. Co-host Jenna Bush Hager noted their noticeable chemistry, and fans quickly jumped on board. The buzz intensified in July when a viewer asked Kotb how she felt about fans “shipping” her with Costner. With a laugh, she replied, “Well, if the viewers want it!”
Her playful comment inspired the Today crew to roll out a slow-motion montage of their interview—complete with romantic music and hair flips. Kotb couldn’t help but giggle, saying, “Y’all are ridiculous. The slow and the music really helped.”
While their dynamic has charmed viewers and fueled the rumor mill, it seems the flirty exchanges are more about good-natured fun and clever PR than an actual romance. At the end of the day, Costner and Kotb are simply enjoying the attention—and each other’s company—without taking things to the next level.
