Actor Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner have called it quits after 18 years together as husband and wife. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, share three children.
Interestingly, Kevin was initially hesitant to expand his family, despite being a father of four from a previous marriage. However, he overcame his fear and had three more children with Christine.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kevin Costner on August 12, 2021 at Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. | Source: Getty Images
Dad-of-7 Hesitated to Have More Kids in His 50s
Kevin, known for his roles in iconic movies like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Bodyguard,” is a successful actor and a loving father of seven. However, he had initial reservations about expanding his family in his 50s.
The 19-years-younger Christine wanted to have children with Kevin, and in a 2008 interview, the actor admitted:
“I was afraid I couldn’t be an effective father.”
Actor Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner attend the Big 3 Records Monte Carlo Invitational Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament in 2000. | Source: Getty Images
Kevin explained that he woke up one day and realized he didn’t want to lose Christine over his fear of having more children. He overcame his hesitations and embraced fatherhood again, welcoming his fifth child, Cayden, at 52.
Kevin was excited to be a father again but admitted to some fears about being able to be present for his child’s upbringing. In a 2007 interview with People, the star spoke about raising his baby boy:
“My fundamental fear is that my new baby, someone else will raise him … I won’t get to coach him in what I think it is to be a man.”
Kevin Costner and wife Christine Baumgartner attend an event on May 22, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Actor Kevin Costner and his wife Christine Baumgartner with their son Cayden Costner at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2008 in Daytona Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his concerns, Kevin spends time with his children, playing with them and teaching them to be independent. He revealed he was like any other mother or father trying to figure out parenthood.
The icon also shared some comical advice when asked what he had learned in his decades of being a dad. He joked:
“I can fake like I’m asleep longer, so I don’t have to do as many diapers.”
Who Are Kevin’s Kids, including His Eldest Ones?
After his first marriage ended, Kevin admitted that his faith “was shaken” due to the breakdown of his relationship. He expressed that “no one wants their marriage to end,” and the experience profoundly impacted him.
Kevin Costner with his ex-wife and children Cindy Costner, Annie, Lily and Joe on June 18, 1994 at the Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kevin further acknowledged that not being able to see his children as much as he wanted was a significant loss that he had to come to terms with.
He has seven children, three from his first marriage to Cindy Silva, one from a brief relationship with Bridget Rooney, and three from his union with his second wife.
Kevin’s eldest child, Annie Costner, was born in 1984 and has followed in her father’s footsteps by appearing in films like “Dances With Wolves.” She also co-founded Sound Off Films in 2014.
Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgarten and his kids during an event honoring the actor in Hollywood, California, United States, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Lily Costner, the second child, was born in 1986 and is a talented singer like her father. Joe Costner, born in 1988, works behind the scenes in the entertainment industry as an audio engineer and production sound mixer.
Kevin’s lesser-known child, Liam Costner, was born in 1996 from a brief relationship he was in. The son prefers to keep a low profile.
After tying the knot again in 2004, Kevin welcomed music-loving Cayden Wyatt Costner with his wife Christine in 2007. Hayes Logan Costner, named after a Western film cowboy character, was born in 2009. Both boys have shown an interest in musical instruments and sports.
Grace Avery Costner, Kevin Costner, Hayes Logan Costner, Christine Baumgartner and Cayden Wyatt Costner attend and event on August 1, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Grace Avery Costner, Kevin’s youngest child, was born in 2010 and is described as a “girly girl” who enjoys sewing and dancing. Fortunately, she made sense of her dad’s changing appearances due to whatever his roles demanded from an early age.
While Kevin’s eldest children have followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry, his youngest children are still growing up and finding their paths.
Despite Kevin’s Past Fear That Christine Would Leave Him, She Still Did It 18 Years Later
The actor’s past fears that Christine would leave him eventually came true. Kevin and his wife, Christine, have filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage. Although it is unclear what led to the split, Christine cited “irreconcilable differences.”
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kevin’s representative has released a statement saying that “circumstances beyond his control” have resulted in his having to participate in the divorce action.
The couple shares three children, and both have filed for joint custody. Christine has not asked for spousal support, while Kevin’s response states that support will be paid according to the terms of their premarital agreement.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner attend an event on May 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The divorce news has received mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment, while others suppose it’s beneficial for his wife, given that Kevin is significantly older than her.
While many people reserved their judgments about the shocking revelation of their separation, countless onlookers shared their opinions. One user wrote:
“Yep, he is too old for her anyway! Good for her! You old people have to learn the hard way!”
Commenters shared their suspicions about what led to the filing, and one netizen stated the divorce was “good for [Christine],” while someone else added:
“Not again. I’m disappointed in him. Who has he [got] his eye on this time?”
Kevin’s representative issued a statement asking for privacy for the family during this difficult time.
