Kevin Costner is 70 now. That’s a milestone that usually signals slowing down, but for the Yellowstone star, life seems to be hitting a second gear. After a divorce from Christine Baumgartner that was, frankly, a tabloid nightmare of private jets and child support spreadsheets, everyone’s been wondering who would eventually fill that space.
Well, it looks like we have an answer, or at least a very strong lead. Kevin Costner's new girlfriend is widely reported to be filmmaker Kelly Noonan Gores.
If you haven’t heard the name, she’s the creative force behind the 2017 documentary Heal. She’s 46, which makes for a 24-year age gap, though in Hollywood years, that’s basically a rounding error. They’ve been spotted together in Aspen—Costner's favorite haunt—and at various low-key events. But this isn't some flashy, red-carpet-debut kind of romance. It’s casual. It’s "vetted by friends." And honestly? It’s exactly what a guy who just spent a year in legal mediation probably needs.
Why Kelly Noonan Gores is Different
For a while, the rumor mill was convinced Costner was dating the singer Jewel. They were cozy on Richard Branson’s private island, and the internet went wild. But Kevin eventually went on Howard Stern and shut it down. He called her "special" and "beautiful," but insisted they were just friends.
Then there was the Sharon Stone chatter after the Governors Awards. People saw them flirting, saw a wink, and assumed a wedding was being planned. Sharon eventually told the press that if they hadn't dated in the 30 years they'd known each other, it probably wasn't going to happen.
Kelly Noonan Gores is a different story.
She isn't an A-list actress looking for a co-star. She’s a director and an author. She’s also a mother who recently went through her own "excruciating" divorce from billionaire Alec Gores. They have a lot in common—mainly the shared trauma of very public, very expensive breakups.
The Aspen Connection
Aspen is basically the Costner home turf. He owns a massive 160-acre ranch there called The Dunbar. If you're "casually dating" Kevin Costner, and you're seen with him in Aspen during the holidays, that’s as close to an official confirmation as you’re going to get without a publicist's statement.
Insiders say they were connected by mutual friends. It makes sense. Kelly is based in Manhattan Beach; Kevin is in Carpinteria. They’re both California-based, both into the outdoors, and both seem to be over the "Hollywood scene."
The "No Actresses" Rule
There’s a rumor floating around that Costner has a specific rule for his post-divorce life: no actresses.
Whether that’s true or just hearsay, Kelly fits the bill. Yes, she’s a filmmaker, but she’s more "wellness documentary" than "Marvel blockbuster." She’s focused on her daughter, Riley, and her health. After her house in the Pacific Palisades tragically burned down in a fire, she’s been rebuilding her life.
Kevin is doing the same. He poured $38 million of his own money into Horizon: An American Saga. He left the biggest show on television. He’s in a "wait and see" period of his life.
People close to him say he’s using "kid gloves" with this relationship. He’s been burned. The divorce from Christine was messy, involving disputes over his $145 million estate and monthly payments that started at astronomical levels before being settled at around $63,000.
What’s Next for the Couple?
Don't expect a wedding invite anytime soon. Kevin is focused on his seven children—Annie, Lily, Joe, Liam, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. Kelly is focused on her young daughter.
They are reportedly "hanging out casually when they can." In 2026, that’s celebrity-speak for "we like each other, but we aren't merging bank accounts."
If you're following this story, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the local Aspen reports rather than the big Hollywood trades. That’s where they feel comfortable. That’s where they can be "typical and average," which is exactly what Kevin says he wants now.
Actionable Insights for Following the Story:
- Check the Credits: If you want to understand Kelly Noonan Gores' vibe, watch her documentary Heal. It explains a lot about her perspective on life and stress.
- Watch the Horizon: Costner’s professional focus is still his Western epic. Any major relationship milestones will likely happen away from the film’s press junkets.
- Verify the Source: Be wary of "insider" reports from outlets that claim he's dating Jennifer Lopez or January Jones; most of those have been debunked as simple friendly encounters at industry events.