Who is Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner? The former model ‘surprised’ the Yellowstone actor with a divorce and legal battle – and has to leave their home by the end of July

Jul 21 , 2023

Kevin Costner and ex-wife Christine Baumgartner during their happier days. Photo: Getty Images

Do all Hollywood romances come to a bitter end? Costner and Baumgartner seemed like the perfect couple for 18 years until she filed for a divorce in May, citing irreconcilable differences

The Yellowstone actor married Baumgartner in 2004 at his ranch in Aspen, Colorado and the two share three children, but as per their prenup, the former model has to leave their home by the end of July

Kevin Costner is one of the most famous actors in the world. His role as John Dutton on Yellowstone has further extended his star status from his iconic roles in Field of Dreams, JFK, The Bodyguard and Tin Cup.

But all eyes turned to his personal life when his wife of 18 years, 49-year-old Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce in May, citing irreconcilable differences. It has been widely reported that the divorce “surprised” the Hollywood icon.

So, what do we know about the woman who firmly supported her actor husband for nearly two decades before calling the relationship off?

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner had a bumpy start

US actor Kevin Costner walks with his wife Christine Baumgartner during a practice round for the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews Golf Club in Fife, Scotland, in 2004. Photo: Reuters

When the couple first met on a golf course, Costner, now 68, was rehearsing for his 1996 film, Tin Cup. Years later, they bumped into each other at a restaurant and, according to Hollywood Life, had an “on-again, off-again” relationship for several years in the early 2000s.

They broke up in 2002, with Baumgartner saying she wanted children while Costner was hesitant to add to his brood of four. He told Parade in an interview that after the split, the former model told him that she would wait for him – but not for long. When asked what made his marriage work, he said it was the “ability to say sorry”.

The dreamy wedding

Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at their wedding on his ranch in Aspen, Colorado, in 2004. Photo: Getty Images

The couple got married in 2004 in a private ceremony at Costner’s ranch in Aspen, Colorado. The ranch is called The Dunbar, named after his character’s role in Dances with Wolves, and is now available to rent for wedding functions.

Country Living reported that Costner arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and his bride in a vintage green pickup truck.

The couple have three children together: Cayden Wyatt, 15, Hayes Logan, 14, and Grace Avery, 12.