Kevin Costner and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, remained distant as they attended their son Cayden’s high school graduation in Santa Barbara, California. Despite coming together to celebrate the 18-year-old’s academic achievement, the former couple refrained from interacting throughout the ceremony. Costner, 70, was seated separately in the stands next to his daughter Lily, 38, while Baumgartner, 51, stayed elsewhere among the attendees.
Separate Photos Reflect Lingering Distance Following Public Divorce and Lengthy Legal Battle
After the ceremony, both parents made their way to take photos with Cayden, though they did so separately. Costner posed with his son in white jeans, a button-up shirt, and a tan jacket, smiling for the camera as Cayden stood beside him. Later, the graduate walked over to take another photo with his mother, who wore a brown midi dress and white heels. The pictures highlighted the physical and emotional distance that still exists between the exes.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Keep Their Distance at Son Cayden’s Graduation CeremonyThe tense reunion comes almost two years after the couple finalized a highly publicized and contentious divorce. Costner and Baumgartner, who married in 2004, spent several months negotiating the terms of their split before reaching a settlement in 2023. According to reports, Baumgartner agreed to the terms after a judge ruled that their prenuptial agreement would be upheld. The details of the settlement remain private, but it marked the official end of their nearly two-decade-long marriage.
Divorce Settled, New Relationships Begin, Co-Parenting Continues Amid Separate Personal Journeys
As part of the divorce resolution, Baumgartner reportedly did not receive the $850,000 in legal fees she had requested. However, she did secure a financial arrangement more favorable than originally outlined in the prenup. The settlement included $63,000 per month in child support for the couple’s three children: Cayden, Hayes (16), and Grace (15). In a joint statement to Page Six, the ex-spouses described the outcome as “amicable” and “mutually agreed upon.”
Since the divorce, both parties appear to be moving on with their lives. Baumgartner is now in a committed relationship with Josh Connor, a man said to share her values and bring her happiness. Meanwhile, Costner has been linked to several women, including singer Jewel.
However, the “Yellowstone” actor has denied any romantic involvement, emphasizing that they are just friends. Despite their separate paths, Costner and Baumgartner continue to co-parent and show up for significant family moments, albeit at a distance.