Kevin Costner ex-wife Christine finds joy in relationship with Josh Connor

Kevin Costner's former spouse Christine Baumgartner, has found ‘happiness’  in her new romantic life with actor Josh Connor.

As reported by PEOPLE, financier Josh Connor, who was previously a friend and neighbour of the recently divorced pair, has been in a relationship with Christine, aged 49 "since her separation from Kevin."

“Josh was initially just a friend,” added the insider.

The friend said about Connor, the handbag designer “likes hanging out with him,”

As per the source, “He is a divorced dad and understands what she’s been going through. They both love the ocean and beach life. It’s something that makes Christine happy.”

A different insider within the Costner's social circle informed PEOPLE that Christine and Connor “are dating although they had a strong friendship before that.”

The source noted that due to being “same place in their lives,” there is potential for the romance to flourish, “They are having a lot of fun together.”

It is pertinent to mention that earlier, Christine was photographed dropping off Connor at his residence in Montecito, California, as depicted in pictures acquired by the Daily Mail.

Read more: Kevin Costner romantically involved with Reese Witherspoon?

In the photos, Connor was seen wheeling a suitcase away from her vehicle.

Previously, Connor and Christine were observed on vacation together. In July, they were seen at a villa in Hualalai, Hawaii.

Amid child support hearings in August 2023, Christine's lawyer, John Rydell, refuted speculations of a romantic involvement between them.

He clarified at that time that Connor was simply a friend during her divorce from 68-year-old Kevin and "nothing more than that."

Christine initiated divorce proceedings from Kevin in May, concluding their 18-year marriage.

After several months of legal negotiations, the former couple reached a harmonious resolution in September, as confirmed in a joint statement by their representative.

In court, Christine mentioned that Josh Connor provided her with financial assistance when she was in distress, including a $20,000 loan.

She clarified that Connor funded the Hawaii trip for everyone, and despite sharing the same room with another friend during the trip, she denied any romantic involvement with Connor, stating he was not her boyfriend when questioned.