Kevin Costner is once again drawing public attention, but this time the spotlight has shifted away from courtrooms, legal filings, and financial disputes. After weathering one of the most closely followed celebrity divorces in recent memory, the Academy Award–winning actor appears to be stepping into a calmer, more hopeful chapter of life. Friends say he has found companionship again, quietly and without fanfare, with a woman described as grounded, warm, and very much aligned with the kind of life he values now. Her name is Kelly Noonan Gores, a 46-year-old filmmaker and author whose presence has reportedly brought a sense of balance and ease back into Costner’s world.
Not long before his marriage ended, Costner spoke publicly about the deep appreciation he had for the life he shared with his former wife, Christine Baumgartner. In a 2022 interview, he reflected on how her presence shaped their family and home. He described her as someone who made spaces feel warmer and more loving, crediting her with creating an environment filled with care and emotional connection. At the time, his words suggested a partnership rooted in shared history, devotion, and mutual respect.
Yet, within a year, that long marriage came to an abrupt close. In May 2023, Baumgartner filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. What followed was a difficult and very public process that unfolded across headlines and court documents. Disagreements over finances, living arrangements, and child support quickly became part of the public conversation. Baumgartner initially requested a substantial monthly child support amount, a figure that drew widespread attention. After months of legal proceedings, the court ultimately ordered a lower but still significant monthly payment to support their three children.
Eventually, the former couple reached a custody agreement that granted them joint legal and physical custody of their children, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. While Costner has largely avoided speaking in detail about the proceedings, he did acknowledge the emotional weight of the experience in a television interview. He described the divorce as deeply painful, a moment that tested his resilience. Still, he emphasized his determination to move forward, explaining that his children were watching how he handled adversity and that staying strong for them mattered more than anything else.
In the months that followed, those close to Costner say he went through one of the darkest periods of his life. The end of a long marriage, combined with intense public scrutiny, left him emotionally drained. That context makes recent reports about his new relationship especially meaningful. According to multiple sources, Costner has been spending time with Kelly Noonan Gores, a creative professional best known for her work behind the camera and her interest in personal growth and well-being. She was previously married to businessman Alec Gores, and their divorce was finalized several years ago.
Insiders say Costner and Kelly were introduced through mutual friends and gradually formed a connection without rushing anything. Both spend time in Aspen, Colorado, and their overlapping social circles made it natural for their paths to cross. In early September, they were seen attending a local festival together. While they did not seek attention, observers noted how comfortable and at ease they seemed in each other’s company, suggesting a bond that felt genuine rather than performative.
Those familiar with the situation describe the relationship as a welcome source of light for Costner. After a long stretch marked by stress and emotional upheaval, he is said to be smiling more and enjoying simple moments again. Friends emphasize that he is being careful, choosing privacy over publicity. Kelly’s calm demeanor and steady outlook are often mentioned as qualities that have helped him regain his footing during a time of transition.
The two are also said to share many common interests. Both appreciate the outdoors and value time spent in nature. Kelly enjoys an active lifestyle and prioritizes family, balancing her career with raising her children. Costner, long known for his love of wide-open spaces and close family bonds, reportedly finds these shared values deeply comforting. Friends say they connect over everyday pleasures like walking, being outside, and enjoying unhurried conversations, forming a connection built on simplicity rather than spectacle.
At the same time, Christine Baumgartner has also begun moving forward. Reports indicate that she recently accepted a marriage proposal from financier Josh Conner during a quiet, intimate moment by the beach in Santa Barbara. Those close to her describe the engagement as a sign of healing and renewal after a challenging period. For Baumgartner, it represents a chance to begin again on her own terms.
For now, Costner and Kelly Noonan Gores are keeping their relationship relaxed and unforced. They spend time together when schedules allow and are focused on getting to know one another without pressure. While nothing is being rushed, many believe that their shared values and natural chemistry give the relationship room to grow. As Costner enters his late sixties, fans who have followed his career for decades seem hopeful to see him finding peace and happiness once more, both in his personal life and beyond.
