Kevin Costner’s romance with his new partner was a ‘grounding’ for him

Kevin Costnerthe new romance with Kelly Noonan Gores would have been an “anchoring” force in his life when his career seemed to be in decline.

The actor made headlines for his allegedly confrontational behavior on the set of “Yellowstone” before he was ultimately forced out, with a source saying he was now in “polite refusal mode.”

Kevin Costner’s relationship with Gores began after his bitter and public split from his ex-wife Christine Baumgartnerwho has since remarried her ex-friend Josh Connor.

Costner and his new partner, Kelly Noonan Gores, have a strong relationship, with reports suggesting their bond has been a “grounding” force in his life.

The “Open Range” actor and the ex-wife of billionaire Alec Gores met through a mutual friend and began dating in mid-to-late 2025, although they remained “private and casual,” according to Us every week.

“After such a public and costly divorce [from Christine Baumgartner]he’s cautious,” the outlet reported, with a source adding that Costner and Kelly “see each other when schedules allow, often spending time at his Santa Barbara estate.”

Despite their celebrity status, they appear to be taking a low-key approach to their relationship, as reports suggest the couple “love dinners at home, walks on the beach and quiet nights in.”

A source added that he’s “not looking for a serious relationship or marriage anytime soon.”

Costner’s relationship with Gores comes after his very public 2023 split from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, with whom he shares three children: Cayden, Hayes and Grace.

The former couple had been married for 18 years, and when the “Dance With Wolves” actor appeared on “CBS Mornings” at the time, he admitted the split had been a “crushing moment” for him.

“It’s a crushing moment. It’s powerful. It hurts, but I’m moving forward,” Costner told host Gayle King about his divorce, adding that he had “no choice” but to move forward because he didn’t want to leave a negative vibe with his children.

“I can’t wither like a daisy,” Costner continued. “I have to move forward. I have to continue to be who I am and keep a close eye on who [my children] are.”

Court documents from July 2023 showed Baumgartner demanded $248,000 in child support, which was ultimately reduced to $63,209.

However, full details of the financial agreement were not revealed when they settled their separation in February the following year.

In a hurtful twist, Baumgartner has since remarried Costner’s former friend and neighbor Josh Connor, and reports now claim the actor “remains angered by the situation.”

“Part of him…wishes it would work. It stings that she got remarried, but he’s trying not to focus on that,” a source said, according to Us every week.

Meanwhile, sources say Costner is treating 2026 as his “year of redemption” following a series of negative headlines that have followed him of late.

Before he was kicked off “Yellowstone,” allegations surfaced suggesting he attempted to regain control from series creator Taylor Sheridan and also exhibited confrontational behavior with his castmates.

“Going into the show, Kevin felt like he was the authority on what made things authentic to the subject matter,” a source told the publication. “Everything about this franchise is the creation of Taylor, her baby. So it was an area of ​​tension, for sure.”

The insider went further to add that there was “a little power struggle” between them, and Costner distanced himself from the actors and “didn’t interact with them” except when it came to filming.

But the actor is apparently looking to put all that behind him and focus on salvaging what’s left of his Hollywood career.