Kevin Costner's Wife Christine Baumgartner Starts Divorce Process After 18 Years Of Marriage

May 03, 2023

It's the end of the road for Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's 18-year marriage. According to TMZ, Baumgartner filed for divorce on May 1, 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences." The next day, Kevin filed his response, seeking joint custody of their three children – Grace, 12, Hayes, 14, and Cayden Costner, 15. Baumgartner is also seeking joint custody.

"It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action. We ask that his, Christine's, and their children's privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time," a representative of Kevin said in a statement. 

The pair had an on-and-off relationship for years before tying the knot. The "JFK" star admitted that fear kept him from committing to Baumgartner.

"Fear kept me from marrying Christine. (She) wanted a child, but I was afraid I couldn't be an effective father," US Weekly reported. The actor went on to say he didn't want to lose the love of his life. "I woke up and thought, 'Am I going to lose a beautiful woman who is willing to be with me to my very last breath because I am afraid to say yes to a child? That's all it took. Sometimes you learn the thing you're most afraid of will save your life."

Kevin and Baumgartner eventually married in an idyllic wedding on his Aspen, Colorado, ranch on Sept. 25, 2004. 

Kevin's marriage to Baumgartner was his second. He first married Cindy Silva in 1978. They split in 1994. The two share three children together – Annie, born in 1984; Lily, born in 1986 and Joe Costner, born in 1988. Kevin also has a 27-year-old son Liam from a previous relationship with Bridget Rooney.

The reason behind Kevin and Baumgartner's split is not yet clear. In recent years, the "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" actor had frequently and publicly sung the praises of his wife. In 2020, he told People: 

"Our partnership has really come into focus about what we do for each other and how we deal with our family. … Our house is like a river: You've just got to get into the flow of it. And whatever you thought it was going to be, maybe it still can, but it's going to have to work with what the day brings."

In November 2022, he gushed about Baumgartner again to the same outlet.

"My wife does things that just completely... It just helps. The house is prettier because of her. Everything is warmer because of her. There's these little things that she does and I think it's the power of love, but that she makes her home that way," he said.

He had also divulged his secret to keeping his marriage afloat to Parade in 2012 and said, "Maybe it's the ability to say you're sorry. I know that sounds so simple." However, as many relationship guides and couples around the world know, often, saying sorry is often the hardest task.

Kevin and Baumgartner had spent much of their married life living at their sprawling Colorado ranch. The couple had designed the Aspen Colorado residence as a posh Rocky Mountain getaway. Dubbed "Dunbar Ranch," the 160-acre property comprises three residential buildings, with the main compound spanning 5,800 square feet and boasting six bedrooms and six bathrooms. With the lake house and the river house, the total amount of livable space totaled 6,000 square feet that can house up to 34 guests.

With such a legendary acting career, it comes as no surprise that Kevin's net worth is in the hundreds of millions. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be $250 million. Much of his wealth comes from his successful acting career, as well as his work as a director and producer. 

Costner gained critical acclaim for his role in the 1987 film "The Untouchables," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to star in several other successful films, including "Bull Durham," "Field of Dreams," "The Bodyguard," and "Dances with Wolves," which he directed and produced. The latter film earned him two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.

Kevin attracted a new legion of fans with his highly praised leading role in the television show "Yellowstone." The series follows the family of John Dutton, played by Kevin, who owns a large ranch in the Montana plains. In the show, Dutton faces numerous challenges and bids by developers to squeeze him out of his land while also navigating conflicts with a bordering Indian reservation and its political leaders. Kevin earned his first Golden Globe win in 2022 for Best Television Actor in a Drama Series. 

In March 2023, however, reports surfaced that Kevin may not return to the hit series due to scheduling conflicts. The second half of its fifth season has yet to start filming.

Kevin has also made significant investments in real estate, including owning Dunbar Ranch and a beachfront property in Santa Barbara, California.

Meanwhile, TMZ reported that Baumgartner would not be pursuing spousal support following the dissolution of their marriage, as a prenuptial agreement was in place.

What are your thoughts on Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's split? Let us know, and pass this on to friends and family, too.