Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Glows With Joy After Engagement, Flaunts $50,000 Ring
Christine Baumgartner Shows Off $50K Engagement Ring as She Embraces Life After Kevin Costner
Christine Baumgartner isn’t hiding her happiness—or her dazzling new engagement ring.
The 51-year-old has been spotted proudly flaunting a stunning $50,000 sparkler following her engagement to financier Josh Connor, a longtime friend of her ex-husband, Kevin Costner. The two reportedly got engaged on January 26 during a romantic outing in Santa Barbara.
Baumgartner, who finalized her divorce from Costner in September 2024 after nearly 20 years of marriage, appears to be thriving in her new chapter. Photographed in March while out with her daughter Grace, Christine’s radiant smile was matched only by the brilliance of her engagement ring. Experts describe the piece as a five-carat square-cut diamond set in platinum—so vibrant, it can reportedly refract light from 50 feet away.
A Los Angeles jeweler commented, “If it’s a natural diamond and not lab-grown, it’s easily worth around $50,000.”
In another sighting, Baumgartner was seen laughing with a friend outside upscale boutique K. Frank, her ring once again catching attention as it glistened atop her handbag.
Kevin Costner Embraces the Single Life
While Baumgartner steps into a new relationship, Kevin Costner seems equally content on his own. The 70-year-old Yellowstone star has been active on the social scene, attending red carpets, major sporting events, and promoting his latest film, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.
Costner recently shared highlights from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where he appeared with his three children—whom he shares with Baumgartner—and mingled with director Quentin Tarantino. He was also spotted enjoying Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans, hanging out with comedian Pete Davidson.
Post-Divorce Financial Shifts for Baumgartner
Despite her joyful new relationship, Baumgartner’s transition post-divorce hasn’t been without challenges—particularly financial ones.
During the divorce proceedings, a judge ruled that Costner would pay $63,209 per month in child support, significantly less than the $248,000 Baumgartner initially requested. The ruling reportedly led to notable lifestyle adjustments, including multiple moves to more modest homes.
Additional signs of financial strain have emerged. While all three children previously attended elite private schools, two are now reportedly enrolled in public schools in Santa Barbara. Christine herself has been seen driving a two-year-old Range Rover with expired tags and visibly worn tires.
Romance With Josh Connor Blossoms
Still, sources close to Baumgartner say she’s finding happiness again with Josh Connor. The couple, whose romance is said to have developed quietly over the past year, share a deep personal connection—reportedly through their daughters’ close friendship.
Since going public, the pair have been seen enjoying one another’s company on multiple occasions. They’ve been spotted visiting each other’s homes in Montecito, vacationing in Hawaii, and taking a trip to New York.
“They spent time together before Christmas in Hawaii while Kevin was presumably in Aspen with the kids. Christine hasn’t made much effort to keep the relationship private—her friends have known for a while.”
