Kevin Costner is making headlines again, but this time it has nothing to do with courtroom battles, financial disputes, or Hollywood drama. After enduring one of the most publicized divorces in recent celebrity history, the Oscar-winning actor appears to have found companionship again—this time with a woman described by insiders as “exactly his type.” The woman at the center of this attention is Kelly Noonan Gores, a 46-year-old director and author who was previously married to billionaire businessman Alec Gores. Their connection has quietly grown in recent months, and while Costner has tried to keep things private, the world is already talking.
Only a year before announcing the end of his nearly two-decade marriage to designer Christine Baumgartner, Costner had spoken warmly about the life they built together. In a 2022 interview with People, he praised the impact she had on their home and family. “My wife does things that completely transform everything. The house is prettier because of her, the rooms are warmer because of her,” he said at the time. “She just brings this sense of love into the home, and I think that’s the power of love itself.”
But the marriage unraveled quickly. In May 2023, Baumgartner filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. What followed was a highly emotional and widely publicized legal battle involving finances, housing, and custody arrangements. Baumgartner requested $248,000 per month in child support, a number that stirred widespread attention. Ultimately, the court ordered Costner to pay $63,209 monthly—substantially less than the original request but still a significant amount for raising their three children.
The couple later reached a formal custody agreement granting them joint legal and physical custody of their kids: 18-year-old Cayden, 16-year-old Hayes, and their 15-year-old daughter Grace. While Costner has kept many details private, he acknowledged in an interview with CBS Mornings that the divorce took a toll on him emotionally. Referring to the split as “a crushing moment,” he said, “It hurt. But I move forward because I have no choice. My children are watching me. I can’t fall apart—I have to stay steady for them.”
In the months that followed, the Yellowstone star admitted that the period after the divorce was one of the darkest chapters of his life. That makes the recent news of his budding relationship even more significant. According to multiple reports, Costner is now quietly dating Kelly Noonan Gores, a filmmaker best known for directing the award-winning documentary HEAL. She was previously married to billionaire entrepreneur Alec Gores, who is nearly three decades older than she is. Their divorce was finalized several years ago.
Sources say Costner and Kelly were introduced through mutual friends and gradually built a connection. Both spend time in Aspen, Colorado, where overlapping social circles naturally brought them together. In early September, the pair were spotted enjoying the JAS Labor Day Experience festival in Aspen. Although they attempted to keep a low profile, eyewitnesses say their comfort level with each other was unmistakable.
According to insiders, Costner’s new relationship has been a bright spot during a difficult transition. “Kevin is dating and feeling genuinely happy again after a very dark period,” one source told RadarOnline. “He’s been seeing Kelly. He is trying not to make a big public spectacle out of this because the last thing he wants is a media circus.” The source emphasized that Kelly has a grounding presence, describing her as calm, steady, and exactly “what he needs” at this stage in his life.
Those close to Costner say the pair share a surprising number of interests. Both enjoy the outdoors; Kelly is reportedly passionate about surfing and loves spending time outside with her children and her dogs. Costner, who has always spoken fondly of family and nature, finds these qualities refreshing. “She fits his type perfectly,” one insider shared. “They connect over the little things—nature, sports, long walks. And she has young kids too, which he finds sweet because he adores children.”
Another source described their chemistry as “intense and passionate” but clarified that things are still evolving naturally. “Kelly has really fallen for him,” the insider said. “Kevin could date almost anyone he wants, but right now he’s focused on her, and they’re both enjoying the connection.” While the relationship is still new, those who know them believe the possibilities are wide open.
Meanwhile, Costner’s ex-wife Christine Baumgartner is also moving forward with her life. Reports from E! News confirm that Baumgartner recently accepted a proposal from financier Josh Conner. The proposal reportedly happened during an intimate dinner on the beach in Santa Barbara, where Conner presented her with a ring. Friends of the pair say the engagement comes after months of quiet dating and represents a fresh start for Baumgartner as she continues rebuilding after her very public split from Costner.
For now, Costner and Kelly Noonan Gores are keeping things relaxed. Sources told US Weekly that the two are “casually spending time together” and getting to know each other without pressure. They meet whenever their schedules align and enjoy the freedom of a relationship that isn’t yet weighed down by public expectations. Still, given their shared interests, similar lifestyles, and undeniable chemistry, few would be surprised if their connection eventually becomes something more serious.
Costner, now in his late sixties, remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring actors, known for classics like Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, and his recent success in Yellowstone. As he embraces this next chapter of his personal life, fans seem eager to see him happy again—both on-screen and off.
