Everyone wants to know who the new woman is. After that incredibly messy, headline-grabbing divorce from Christine Baumgartner, the world basically parked itself on Kevin Costner's front porch. We all watched the court dates, the $248,000 child support requests, and the drama over who got to stay in the $145 million Carpinteria estate.
It was exhausting.
But now? Things are different. The dust has settled. And yes, there is a Kevin Costner girlfriend in the picture, though "girlfriend" might be a heavy word for what’s actually happening.
Honestly, the internet keeps trying to pair him with every single blonde woman in a five-mile radius. First, it was Jewel. People were convinced they were a thing after they were spotted together on Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Then came the whispers about Christina Hall from Flip or Flop.
But if you want the real story, you have to look toward Aspen.
The Woman Behind the Rumors: Kelly Noonan Gores
The name you’re actually looking for is Kelly Noonan Gores.
She isn't a "Hollywood star" in the traditional sense, which fits perfectly with what insiders say Costner wants right now. He’s reportedly done with the high-profile actress scene. Kelly is a 46-year-old filmmaker, author, and the director behind the documentary Heal.
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They were spotted together at the JAS Labor Day Experience in Snowmass Village, near Aspen, late in 2025. This wasn't just a random run-in. Multiple sources, including People and the Daily Mail, have confirmed they’ve been seeing each other "casually" for a while now.
It makes sense.
Both of them just crawled out of the wreckage of long-term marriages. Kelly was married to billionaire Alec Gores for eight years before their 2024 split. She described the divorce as "excruciating" on her podcast. Sound familiar? Kevin’s own exit from his 18-year marriage wasn't exactly a walk in the park either.
Why this pairing actually works (for now)
Kevin is 70. Kelly is 46. A 24-year age gap isn't exactly new territory for Hollywood, but there’s more to it than just the numbers. They share a massive list of hobbies that actually matter when you’re "casually" dating in your second act:
- The Outdoors: Both are obsessed with nature.
- Athletics: Kelly is a surfer and big into paddleboarding; Kevin has always been a "man's man" type who loves the open air.
- Dogs: Apparently, long walks with dogs are a non-negotiable for them both.
- Parenthood: They both have young children and understand the logistical nightmare of dating while co-parenting.
There is a weird detail people keep pointing out, though. Kelly is a blonde, sporty woman with a very "California" aesthetic. If you put a photo of her next to Kevin's ex-wife, Christine, the resemblance is... well, it’s there. Insiders told Star Magazine that Kevin doesn't see it. He thinks they’re just both blonde.
Sure, Kevin.
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What happened with the Jewel rumors?
Before Kelly entered the frame, everyone was rooting for Kevin and Jewel. It felt like a 90s fever dream come true. They were seen looking very "fit and tanned" (as eyewitnesses put it) in the British Virgin Islands in late 2023.
Jewel even blushed when asked about him in Elle.
But here’s the truth: it never turned into a full-blown relationship. Costner went on The Howard Stern Show and flat-out denied it. He said they were just friends.
The word on the street is that Kevin might have wanted more, but Jewel wasn't interested in being anyone's "arm candy." She’s focused on her music and her son. Sometimes two famous people just talk, and the internet decides they’re getting married. That’s basically what happened there.
Life after the "Dark Time"
Kevin has been through the wringer. After the Yellowstone exit and the Horizon legal battles, he’s been using "kids gloves" with his personal life. He’s not rushing into a third marriage.
His new Kevin Costner girlfriend situation with Kelly Noonan Gores is described as "hush-hush." He doesn't want it to go off the rails. He’s living in Carpinteria; she’s in Manhattan Beach. They meet up in Aspen. It’s low-pressure.
What to look for next
If you're following this story, don't expect a red carpet debut anytime soon. Kevin is currently focused on getting his film projects off the ground and maintaining his relationship with his kids (Cayden, Hayes, and Grace).
The real signs of progress won't be in a press release. They’ll be in the background of paparazzi shots in Aspen or a quiet dinner in Malibu.
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Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Ignore the "Twin" Narrative: While the media loves to say Kelly looks like his ex, her career as a "conscious media" creator makes her a very different personality fit for Kevin.
- Watch the Documentary: If you want to know what Kelly is about, watch Heal. It gives you a much better idea of her mindset than any tabloid snippet.
- Check the Calendar: Most of their sightings happen around major festivals or holidays in Colorado. That seems to be their "safe space."
Kevin is happy again. After a "very dark time," that’s probably the only fact that really matters. He’s found someone who likes dogs, the ocean, and a quiet life away from the Hollywood machine.