Hollywood has a way of making sure nobody stays single for long—at least not in the headlines. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Yellowstone star lately, you know the rumor mill has been spinning faster than a lasso. After a messy, very public divorce from Christine Baumgartner, everyone wants to know who is Kevin Costner dating now, and the answer is actually more interesting than just a name on a page.
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride. First, there was the whole Jewel saga that had fans convinced he was moving to a ranch in Alaska. Then came the whispers about Sharon Stone and even Jennifer Lopez. But if we’re looking at what’s actually happening in 2026, the picture is a lot more "casual" than the tabloids might lead you to believe.
The New Woman in the Picture: Kelly Noonan Gores
By late 2025 and heading into 2026, the name that has stuck is Kelly Noonan Gores.
She isn't your typical Hollywood starlet, which is exactly why she seems to fit Costner’s current vibe. Kelly is a 46-year-old filmmaker and director, perhaps best known for the documentary Heal. She’s also the ex-wife of billionaire Alec Gores. They’ve been spotted together at events like the Labor Day festival in Aspen, and sources have told People and Us Weekly that they are "casually dating."
What’s the connection? Well, basically, they have a lot of common ground:
- Recent Divorces: Kelly’s split from Alec Gores in 2024 was described as "excruciating." Kevin obviously just went through the ringer himself.
- The Aspen Life: Both spend a lot of time in Colorado. It's the ultimate playground for the wealthy and outdoorsy.
- Active Lifestyles: Kelly is into surfing, paddleboarding, and hiking. Kevin... well, he’s Kevin Costner. He lives for the rugged outdoors.
The word "casual" is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Insiders say Kevin isn't exactly rushing to the altar again. He’s 70 now. He’s got seven kids to think about. He’s been burned by a pre-nup battle that felt more like a war. So, while he thinks Kelly is "wonderful and interesting," he’s keeping the training wheels on this relationship for now.
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What Really Happened with Jewel?
We have to talk about Jewel because for a minute there, it felt like a done deal. They were seen looking cozy on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in late 2023. The photos of her on his lap at a charity event went viral.
But Kevin eventually sat down with Howard Stern and cleared the air. He called her "special" and "beautiful," but insisted they never actually went out. He basically said the press was going to ruin a perfectly good friendship.
Some insiders claim Kevin actually tried to woo her, but Jewel wasn't interested in being anyone's "arm candy." She’s focused on her music and her own independence. In 2026, it seems that door is mostly closed, or at least firmly in the "just friends" category. It’s a classic case of public fascination moving faster than the actual human beings involved.
Why He Won't Date Another A-List Actress
If you're waiting for Kevin to start dating a fellow Oscar winner, don't hold your breath. One of the most persistent reports about Kevin’s dating preferences is that he has a "one shocking condition": no Hollywood stars.
He apparently finds dating famous actresses a headache. He prefers women who are more "average" or at least not in the spotlight. Think about his history:
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- Cindy Silva: His first wife. They met in college before he was famous.
- Bridget Rooney: Not an actress; she's from the family that owns the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Christine Baumgartner: A handbag designer he met on a golf course.
He likes women who have their own thing going on but don't bring a fleet of paparazzi with them to dinner. Kelly Noonan Gores fits this perfectly. She’s successful and "industry-adjacent" as a director, but she’s not a household name that triggers a media frenzy every time she goes to the grocery store.
The "Christine" Factor and Moving On
It’s impossible to talk about who Kevin is dating without mentioning his ex-wife, Christine. Their divorce was finalized in early 2024, and it was brutal. We’re talking about disputes over $248,000-a-month child support requests and her refusal to move out of his beach house.
While Kevin is taking things slow with Kelly, Christine has moved on quite quickly with Josh Connor. He’s a financier and was actually a friend and neighbor of the couple before the split. They got engaged in early 2025 and reportedly married in October 2025.
Seeing your ex-wife marry a former "buddy" has to sting. Friends of Kevin say he’s happy for her, but also that he’s "using kid gloves" with his own heart. He’s not looking for a "rebound" marriage. He’s looking for someone who makes his life easier, not more complicated.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Status
The biggest misconception is that Kevin is actively hunting for a new wife.
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Right now, his life is a balancing act. He’s heavily invested in his Horizon film saga—which has been a massive financial and personal gamble. Between filming, dealing with the fallout of leaving Yellowstone, and being a dad to three teenagers (Cayden, Hayes, and Grace), he doesn't have 40 hours a week to dedicate to a new relationship.
He’s "casually dating" because that’s all he has the bandwidth for. If you see him with a woman in Aspen or Santa Barbara, don't assume there's a ring in his pocket. He’s enjoying the company of smart, athletic women who understand the complexities of a post-divorce life.
The Reality Check
So, to wrap this up, if you’re looking for a definitive answer on who Kevin Costner is dating right now:
- The Main Contender: Kelly Noonan Gores is the most consistent name.
- The Vibe: Casual, low-pressure, and outdoor-focused.
- The Rule: He’s avoiding the Hollywood A-list like the plague.
- The Goal: Peace of mind after a very loud few years.
If you want to keep up with this, watch the guest lists for charity events in Colorado or Santa Barbara. That’s where he’s most comfortable. He isn't going to make a "hard launch" on Instagram. He’s old school. He’ll just keep showing up with the same person until we all realize it's serious.
Actionable Insight: If you're following celebrity news for updates on Kevin, ignore the clickbait titles linking him to Jennifer Lopez or Reese Witherspoon. Look for mentions of "non-famous" friends or directors like Gores. Those are the relationships that actually align with his documented dating patterns and his own stated preferences. Check the latest filings or interviews from the Horizon press tours, as that is where he usually lets a few personal details slip.