After a highly publicized and painful divorce from Christine Baumgartner, Hollywood legend Kevin Costner has seemingly found happiness again in a new romance with filmmaker Kelly Noonan Gores, the ex-wife of billionaire Alec Gores. Sources describe the pairing as “exactly his type,” with the couple enjoying a passionate, low-key connection filled with shared interests and chemistry.
The Divorce That Rocked Hollywood
Costner, known for iconic roles in Dances with Wolves, Yellowstone, and the Horizon series, was married to handbag designer Christine Baumgartner for nearly 20 years. In a heartfelt 2022 interview, he praised her: “My wife does things that just completely… It just helps. The house is prettier because of her. Everything is warmer because of her… It’s the power of love.”
The couple’s split in May 2023 turned bitter, with Baumgartner filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. The legal battle over finances and custody of their three children—Cayden (18), Hayes (16), and Grace (15)—dragged on until February 2024. Costner was ordered to pay $63,209 monthly in child support (down from her initial $248,000 request), and the pair agreed to joint legal and physical custody.
The Yellowstone star called the divorce a “crushing moment,” telling CBS Mornings it “hurt” deeply but that he had to stay strong for his kids: “I can’t wilt like a daisy. I have to go forward.”
Finding Love Again: Enter Kelly Noonan Gores
Now, insiders say Costner, 70, is thriving in a budding romance with Kelly Noonan Gores, 46, a talented director (known for the documentary Heal) and former wife of billionaire businessman Alec Gores. The pair were first linked in late summer 2025 after being spotted together at the JAS Labor Day Experience in Aspen, Colorado.
Sources told RadarOnline and others that Costner has been “dating and happy again after a very dark time.” One insider revealed: “He has been seeing Kelly. He has tried to keep it very hush-hush because he doesn’t want this to go off the rails.” They share many common interests—outdoorsy activities, sports, surfing, long walks with dogs—and both have young kids, which Costner finds endearing.
Another source described the romance as “hot and heavy”: “With Kelly, she has fallen into his charm 110%. He thinks she is very nice, super sexy and likes hanging out with her. Kevin can get almost any woman he wants, and Kelly is his target right now… It is hot and heavy right now, and the sky is the limit.”
Casual but Growing: Latest Updates (2025–2026)
Multiple outlets, including People and Us Weekly, initially confirmed the relationship as casual in August 2025. They met through mutual friends and frequently cross paths in Aspen. “They are hanging out casually… not serious yet,” one source noted, highlighting their long-distance dynamic (Costner in Carpinteria, Kelly in Manhattan Beach).
By early 2026, reports evolved. Page Six described the romance as a “grounding” force in Costner’s life amid career challenges, with the pair keeping things private while spending time at his Santa Barbara estate. Friends reportedly urged him to “tread carefully” and not rush into something long-term, especially given similarities between Kelly and his ex-wife Christine (both blondes).
Kelly’s life has had its own challenges, including the loss of her Pacific Palisades home in the LA fires, which reportedly made dating a lower priority. Despite this, the two continued seeing each other when schedules allowed.
Recent developments (as of early 2026) suggest the spark may have cooled or shifted. By March 2026, Costner was spotted sparking rumors with model Brooks Nader, though his connection with Kelly was characterized as casual from the start. No official confirmation of a breakup has surfaced, but celebrity timelines move fast in Hollywood.
Ex-Wife Christine Baumgartner Moves On Too
While Costner explores new love, his ex Christine got engaged to financier Josh Conner in a romantic beach proposal in Santa Barbara. The timing added extra layers to the tabloid drama surrounding both parties’ post-divorce lives.
What Fans Are Saying
Many are rooting for Costner to find peace and joy after the turmoil. Comments online celebrate his resilience, charm, and ability to bounce back. Others note the resemblance between his past and current loves, sparking discussions about “types” in celebrity dating.