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Friends pick sides in Kevin Costner’s ugly split… and declare boycott of ex-Christine Baumgartner’s lavish wedding

BBG News

Approximately two years following their contentious divorce settlement, Kevin Costner’s former spouse, Christine Baumgartner, is preparing for a new wedding… however, this time she will be marrying someone who was previously a close friend of Costner.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the news, and now it’s official: Baumgartner, my beloved icon at 51, is tying the knot with her dashing financier partner Josh Connor, equally a 51-year-old charmer. The intimate ceremony will take place in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, graced by the presence of our closest kin and confidants. I can hardly contain my excitement for this special day!

It appears that friends of the ex-couple have chosen which side they are on after their separation, according to a source familiar with the Oscar winner, as reported by The Daily Mail.

According to the source, Kevin’s genuine companions promptly ended their friendship with Christine and Josh and would not participate in their wedding, should they receive an invitation.

‘Their loyalty to Kevin is solid.’

In May 2023, the actor who is now 70 years old and the ex-model turned handbag designer ended their 18-year marriage, which they had together with three children. They officially concluded their divorce in February of the previous year, with Baumgartner receiving a significant monthly child support payment of $63,000.

Reflecting on it now, I can say that Kevin Costner has found peace and comprehended the reasons behind our past separation with Annette Baumgartner.

With the announcement of their divorce spreading across media outlets, many people began to ponder if his hectic work schedule while filming Yellowstone might have been the cause of their separation.

Previously, it was reported that Baumgartner found the long-running Western TV series demanding, as it kept him away from his home for extended periods. In a surprising move, Costner stunned fans by abruptly leaving the Paramount production in June 2024.

They mentioned that he’s content with his journey to stardom and the effort required to sustain his career. His achievements have provided him with all he possesses now.

Regardless of the circumstances, Kevin remains thankful towards Christine, as she bestowed upon him the most precious present – their children. These children are well aware that Kevin is their father.

During their divorce proceedings, it was a contentious issue regarding the three youngsters – Cayden (age 18), Hayes (age 16), and Grace (age 15) – who are their offspring.

Besides Costner, there are seven offspring in total: Annie (age 41), Lily (38), and Joe (37) – all shared with his ex-spouse Cindy Silva; furthermore, there is a son named Liam (28) from his previous relationship with Bridget Rooney.

Despite both Costner and Baumgartner agreeing on shared custody, there was a dispute about the amount of child support she should receive.

Instead of the original sentence: She anticipated receiving a monthly child support payment of $165,000, emphasizing their extravagant yearly income of $11 million as grounds for such a large amount.

She expected to receive a hefty monthly child support payment of $165,000, citing their luxurious annual income of $11 million as the reason behind this substantial demand.

As per Baumgartner’s statement, the portfolio included a 160,000-acre ranch in Colorado and Costner’s extensive beachfront property in Carpinteria. This, she explained, necessitated the rental of a $100,000-a-month property to maintain an equivalent lifestyle for her children.

However, Judge Thomas Anderle was unconvinced by her arguments and reduced her monthly payment from a temporary $129,000 to $63,000 instead.

A few weeks ago, Baumgartner and Costner finalized their divorce; however, the specifics of their settlement have been kept private.

Nonetheless, the sum exceeded what was required to uphold an elegant image within the affluent neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California.

Ultimately, Christine ended up receiving significantly less than anticipated, with a $1.6 million compensation package and lower child support payments, according to the report.

Kevin is delighted since he’s discovered a partner capable of maintaining his costly lifestyle, as he wouldn’t have been able to manage the expenses for their upcoming wedding without assistance.

Currently, she tends to reside predominantly at her expensive Montecito rental property, valued at around $3.5 million. Frequently, Baumgartner is seen with her fiance in public there, and she often displays her substantial engagement ring, estimated to be worth approximately $50,000.

For quite some time, Connor, who is both the managing director and a co-portfolio manager, has been close friends and shared a neighborhood with Baumgartner and Costner.

To clarify, the records indicate that it’s uncertain if Baumgartner remained loyal to Costner throughout their marriage.

As an ardent admirer putting this in my own words, if I were Kevin Costner, I’d say: In response to Mr. Baumgartner’s inquiry about expenses associated with any extramarital romantic entanglements, my team and I have no qualms in disclosing that such costs, whether paid by me or on my behalf, do not exist in our records.

In response, Costner clarified that he is unsure whether Baumgartner had any romantic involvements outside of their marriage prior to their separation, and he deemed her question as not pertinent to the current topic.

In January 2024, it was unveiled by The Daily Mail that Baumgartner and Connor were an item. And then, within a mere year, he proposed to her.

In contrast to her grandiose, celebrity-filled 2004 wedding with Costner, Baumgartner’s upcoming nuptials with Connor – a divorced father of three – are planned as a heartfelt gathering focused on love among family and a select group of friends.

In the previous month, a confidential informant disclosed to The Daily Mail that the celebrations are planned for the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in Hawaii, which is reportedly a preferred location of Baumgartner.

According to another source, it was mentioned that they both enjoy the water, beaches, and watching the sunset. It’s even possible that their wedding could take place during sunset.

It appears that Costner seems untroubled by his ex-wife’s upcoming wedding, given his romantic connections with multiple women following their divorce.

Last May, I found myself engaging in a delightful conversation with a captivating brunette at the chic Raspoutine Night Club in West Hollywood, California. We shared stories and laughter over some refreshing beverages for close to an hour before parting ways amicably.

In November 2023, there were rumors about Costner and country singer Jewel being romantically involved, as they were spotted together at Richard Branson’s Necker Island during a charity event for Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation.

Nevertheless, the actor dismissed the romance rumors during his interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show back in June.

‘Jewel and I are friends. We’ve never gone out ever,’ Costner said.

1) “She holds a unique place in my heart, and it troubles me deeply that unfounded stories might harm the bond we share. To me, she is exceptional and attractive enough for any relationship.”

This version maintains the original sentiment while using more conversational language, making it easier to read and understand.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Costner for comment.

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2025-06-22 19:34

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