Christine Baumgartner, the ex-wife of *Yellowstone* star Kevin Costner, is celebrating a new chapter in her life, flashing her stunning engagement ring
while enjoying an outing with her fiancé, financier Joshua Connor, in Montecito, California.
On January 30, the couple was spotted together, looking happy and in love as they strolled through the upscale area.
As they walked side by side, Baumgartner had her arm around Connor’s back, proudly showcasing the sparkler on her finger, a clear sign of the couple’s recent engagement.
Baumgartner, who finalized her divorce from Costner in February 2024, was dressed casually yet stylishly for the outing.
She wore a camel-colored long-sleeve top paired with a black puffer vest, black pants, and loafers.
To complete her look, she donned a white trucker hat, keeping it simple and relaxed as she enjoyed the day out with Connor. Meanwhile, Connor kept things equally laid-back, donning a black half-zip sweater, dark denim jeans, and black sneakers, creating a coordinated yet casual look for the pair.
The couple’s engagement had made headlines just the day before their outing, with reports confirming that Connor had popped the question during an intimate moment in Santa Barbara, California. A source told *People* that the proposal took place on a beach just as rain was about to fall, making for a quiet and private moment for the couple. “It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” the insider revealed.
Baumgartner and Connor’s romance first sparked rumors in July 2023 when the couple was spotted vacationing together in Hawaii. By the following year, the couple’s relationship was confirmed, as they were seen holding hands while walking through Santa Barbara shortly after Baumgartner’s divorce from Costner was finalized. Their relationship has moved quickly, but the couple has remained discreet about their love story, keeping things low-key as they continue their journey together.
Baumgartner’s divorce from Costner, after 18 years of marriage, became public in May 2023, when she filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. In legal documents, she listed April 11, 2023, as the date of their separation. During the divorce proceedings, Baumgartner initially requested a significant sum in child support—$248,000 per month for their three children. However, the court ruled that Costner would pay a monthly sum of $63,209 in child support, a decision that was made after several months of legal wrangling. This legal battle was one of the key points of contention during the divorce process.
In addition to the child support dispute, Baumgartner’s relationship with Connor made its way into the legal proceedings when Costner’s legal team raised questions about a $20,000 loan given to Baumgartner by a “boyfriend,” who was later identified as Joshua Connor. Baumgartner testified in court, explaining that Connor was a longtime family friend of both her and Costner, but at the time, she denied that he was her boyfriend. She described trips they had taken together, including a Hawaii vacation in March with Connor and his daughter, but explained that Costner had not joined the trip due to prior commitments.
Despite the somewhat awkward spotlight on her new relationship, Baumgartner appeared confident and content during her public outing with Connor. As the couple looks forward to their future together, they continue to navigate both the personal and public challenges that come with such a high-profile situation.
While Costner has largely kept a low profile since the divorce, the ongoing legal matters surrounding child support and custody are still in the courts. However, for Baumgartner, this new chapter with Connor represents a fresh start. The engagement ring she proudly flaunted during her outing serves as a symbol of the happiness and love she has found after the end of her marriage to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
As she moves forward, Baumgartner’s journey continues to capture public interest, especially with her engagement to a man who was once a family friend of both her and Costner. The new couple’s happiness is a reminder that love can sometimes blossom in unexpected places—even after difficult endings.
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