Kevin Costner is 71 now. Let that sink in for a second. The man who defined the rugged American leading man for four decades is officially a septuagenarian, and honestly, he’s probably having a more interesting time than most of us half his age. After a divorce from Christine Baumgartner that was—to put it mildly—messy enough to keep a small army of tabloid writers in business for a year, the question on everyone’s mind is pretty simple. Is Kevin Costner dating anyone?
The short answer is yes. But it’s not Jewel.
For months, the internet was convinced Costner and the "You Were Meant for Me" singer were Hollywood’s next great power couple. They were spotted together on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, they looked cozy, and the optics were perfect. Two soulful, creative icons finding love in the wreckage of difficult breakups. It makes for a great story. Except, according to Costner himself, it just wasn't true. He went on Howard Stern and basically said they are just friends, putting the rumors to bed with a level of bluntness you only get from a guy who has spent forty years in the spotlight.
The New Woman in the Frame: Kelly Noonan Gores
If you’re looking for who actually has his attention in 2026, you need to look at Kelly Noonan Gores.
Reports started bubbling up in late 2025 that the Yellowstone star and the documentary director (she’s the mind behind Heal) were seeing each other. This isn't just a "mystery woman at a club" situation. They were recently spotted looking very much like a couple in Aspen, just before the New Year. People close to them say it’s "casual" for now, but in the world of A-list dating, "casual" often means "we’re seeing where this goes without the pressure of a paparazzi-fueled wedding timeline."
Kelly is 46, which naturally sparked the usual internet discourse about age gaps, but honestly, they seem like a solid match. She’s creative, she’s successful in her own right, and she’s not exactly a "fame-seeker." After the legal nightmare of his last marriage, you can’t blame the guy for wanting someone who understands the industry but doesn't live for the drama of it.
Why the Public is So Obsessed with Costner’s Love Life
We’re fascinated because Kevin Costner represents a specific kind of old-school masculinity that feels like it’s disappearing. When he went through that divorce in 2023 and 2024, it wasn't just about the money (though the $63,000 monthly child support figure was enough to make anyone’s eyes water). It was about the image of the family man on the ranch being shattered.
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- The Divorce Hangover: It took a while for the dust to settle. Christine Baumgartner has moved on with financier Josh Connor. Costner, meanwhile, threw himself into Horizon: An American Saga.
- The Passion Project: Some say his real "girlfriend" for the last two years has been his movie series. He mortgaged his own property to fund it. That’s not just a job; that’s an obsession.
- The Loneliness Factor: Even icons get lonely. Costner has been open about the fact that he believes people are meant to be together. He isn't the type to stay a bachelor forever.
Addressing the Misconceptions
People keep asking about Whitney Houston. Seriously. Every time Costner is single, the "Bodyguard" nostalgia kicks into high gear. While they had a deep, profound connection and he gave a heartbreaking eulogy at her funeral, they were never a romantic couple. It’s one of those Hollywood myths that refuses to die because we all want the movie ending to be real.
Then there were the rumors about Jennifer Lopez or Sharon Stone. Pure fluff. Costner is a guy who moves in specific circles—Aspen, Santa Barbara, high-end charity events. He’s going to be photographed with famous women. It doesn't mean he’s buying a ring.
The Current Status: Is Kevin Costner Dating Anyone Right Now?
As of early 2026, Kevin Costner is officially off the market but keeping things low-key. His relationship with Kelly Noonan Gores is the most substantive thing we’ve seen since his divorce was finalized.
They share a lot of mutual friends in the Aspen area, which is where Costner spends a huge chunk of his time when he’s not on a film set. Sources say she thinks he’s "wonderful and interesting," and he seems to appreciate her grounded nature. Kelly recently went through her own split from billionaire Alec Gores, so they both understand the weight of a public breakup.
What This Means for His Future
Don't expect a massive, televised wedding. Costner has been there, done that, and has the legal bills to prove it. At this stage of his life, it’s about companionship and shared interests. He has seven children ranging from their teens to their 30s. His priority is clearly his family and finishing his Horizon saga, which has been a bumpy ride at the box office but remains his primary creative legacy.
If you're following the Costner saga, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Public Appearances: Look for him and Kelly at low-profile industry events or charities rather than major red carpets.
- The Aspen Connection: Most of their "quality time" happens away from the L.A. lens.
- Horizon Chapter 3 & 4: His romantic life often takes a backseat when he’s in production mode. If he goes radio silent, he’s probably just back in the director’s chair.
The reality of being Kevin Costner in 2026 is that you’re never truly "unwatched." But after a few years of chaos, he seems to have found a rhythm that works for him. He’s dating, he’s working, and he’s finally moved past the shadow of a very public divorce.
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To stay truly informed on the situation, skip the random TikTok "leaks" and look for confirmed sightings in Aspen or Santa Barbara. These are his home bases, and they’re where his real life—not the tabloid version—actually happens. If you want to understand the man better, watch his recent interviews about his family; he’s far more candid about his kids than he ever will be about a new girlfriend.