1 | A Casual Turn in Costner’s Romantic Reel
Nearly twenty months after the final curtain on his marriage to Christine Baumgartner, Kevin Costner appears to have quietly slipped into a new chapter. He’s reportedly seeing Kelly Noonan Gores, a director and author—and the ex-wife of billionaire Alec Gores. The catch? It’s all still very “casual.”
As insiders revealed, the two were introduced through mutual friends and have been quietly hanging out. Despite a significant distance—Costner in Carpinteria, California, and Gores in Manhattan Beach—they’ve shared romantic moments in Aspen, where they run in similar circles. Think alt-country meets classy Hollywood, with a sprinkle of ski-town cameo.
2 | Distance and Priorities: Love—or Lifestyle Glimpse?
A source told People that Gores finds Costner “wonderful and interesting,” though their relationship hasn’t deepened beyond friendly connection. Gores, having endured a “tumultuous” year—including a painful divorce and the tragic loss of her Pacific Palisades home to fire—is prioritizing her health and her 6-year-old daughter. Dating? Not yet front and center. Costner, for his part, is settled into a slower groove at 70, focusing on family, friends, and a casual date here and there.
3 | Their Timing Offers a Tale of Timing
Let’s revisit the divorce timeline archive: Costner and Christine’s split finalized in February 2024 after a gritty legal battle. He’s since admit that the adjustment period was rough, that they “just do it” for the kids—navigating co-parenting amid court battles and headlines. Meanwhile, Christine has found happiness with Josh Connor, a longtime friend and neighbor.
Gores’s breakup wasn’t easy, either. On her “Heal With Kelly” podcast, she called 2024 “the hardest year,” musing on heartbreak and a split she initiated yet didn’t want. Now, both parties—Costner and Gores—are floating post-marriage, walking the line between renewal and realism.
4 | Aspen, Baby Steps & Mutual Friendships
If the tabloids filled Aspen with hot-tub fantasies, here’s a cooler, more grounded picture: two mature adults, with complicated pasts, getting to know each other in a shared alpine retreat. Aspen isn’t just scenic—it’s discreet. The source emphasizes shared friends and frequent visits, hinting that the romance may be slow-burn and scene-stealer, not headline hype.
5 | What Fans Are Saying (and Feeling)
On Reddit and socials, fans are divided—but mostly optimistic: one share read, “Mature, kind, and healing—seems perfect,” while another warned, “Hope this isn’t just optics.” One comment nailed it: “Both come from complex splits; casual may be just what Love needs.” And honestly? Sometimes low-key is high on the best-meter.