Kevin Costner was left feeling “sucker-punched” after learning about his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner‘s engagement to Josh Connor, a man he had once considered a friend.
Connor, 49, proposed to Baumgartner during an intimate dinner earlier this week, just months after the couple’s messy divorce was finalized.
The news came as a shock to Costner, who only learned of the engagement through his children. An insider revealed that Costner was disappointed he wasn’t told directly by Baumgartner.
“He would have preferred to hear it from Christine,” the source told the Daily Mail.
“But it still felt like a betrayal, especially after everything they’ve been through.”
The timing was particularly difficult as it came shortly after Costner celebrated his 70th birthday on January 18, although friends noted they were relieved the news didn’t break until after his special day.
Costner focusing on his own life
Despite the emotional setback, Costner has been focusing on his work and family. In recent weeks, he was spotted in Aspen, Colorado, socializing with friends like Jennifer Lopez and Jeff Bezos. Additionally, Costner unveiled a new television project, Yellowstone to Yosemite, set to premiere on February 8 on Fox Nation. The show will follow the actor as he explores the 1903 expedition by President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir.
“Kevin will focus on his kids and his work,” a source close to him declared.
In addition to his upcoming projects like Horizon 2, which will debut at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Costner is also preparing for a docuseries release and working on music. Friends added that his beloved dog Bobby has been a constant source of comfort through these challenging times.
“Thank God for that dog,” the source said, noting that Bobby, who was adopted in December 2023, has brought much-needed joy to Costner and his children. The dog even made it to the cover of Dogue magazine, earning some celebrity status of his own.