Kevin Costner's Romance With New Partner Has Been 'Grounding' For Him Amid Career 'Decline'

Kevin Costner's new romance with Kelly Noonan Gores has reportedly been a "grounding" force in his life as his career seems to be declining.

The actor made headlines for his allegedly confrontational behavior on the set of "Yellowstone" before he was eventually kicked off, with a source saying he's now in "a polite decline mode."

Kevin Costner's relationship with Gores kicked off after his bitter and public split from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, who has since remarried his ex-pal Josh Connor.

Inside Kevin Costner's 'Grounding' Romance With His New Flame

Costner and his new partner, Kelly Noonan Gores, are going strong in their relationship, with reports suggesting their bond has been a "grounding" force in his life.

The "Open Range" actor and the ex-wife of billionaire Alec Gores met through a mutual friend and started dating in mid-to-late 2025, although they've kept it "private and casual," per Us Weekly.

"After such a public and expensive divorce [from Christine Baumgartner], he's being cautious," the news outlet reported with a source adding that Costner and Kelly "see each other when schedules allow, often spending time at his Santa Barbara estate."

Despite their celebrity status, they're seemingly taking a low-key approach to their relationship as reports suggested the pair "love dinners at home, walks on the beach and quiet nights in."

One source added that he's "not looking for a serious relationship or marriage any time soon."

The Actor's Split From His Ex-Wife Was A 'Crushing Moment'

Costner's relationship with Gores comes after his very public 2023 split from his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, with whom he shares three children: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace.

The former couple were married for 18 years, and when the "Dance With Wolves" actor appeared on "CBS Mornings" at the time, he admitted that the split was a "crushing moment" for him.

"That's a crushing moment. It's powerful. It hurt, but I go forward," Costner told host Gayle King about his divorce, adding that he had "no choice" but to move on, as he didn't want to leave a negative vibe with his children.

"I can't wilt like a daisy," Costner continued. "I have to go forward. I have to continue to be who I am, and keep a special eye on who [my children] are."

Kevin Costner's Ex-Wife Remarrying His Former Friend Affected The Actor

Court documents in July 2023 showed Baumgartner was demanding $248,000 in child support, which was eventually reduced to $63, 209.

However, full details of the financial agreement were not revealed when they settled their split in February the following year.

In a salt-on-injury twist, Baumgartner has since remarried Costner's former pal and neighbor, Josh Connor, and now reports claim the actor "remains resentful of the situation."

"Part of him … wishes they could have made it work. It stings that she remarried, but he tries not focus on it," a source claimed, per Us Weekly.

The Oscar Winner Is In 'Polite Decline Mode' In His Career

Meanwhile, sources claim Costner is treating 2026 like his "redemption year" following a series of negative headlines that have trailed him in recent times.

Before he was booted off "Yellowstone," allegations surfaced suggesting he tried to wrestle control from show creator Taylor Sheridan, and also showed confrontational behavior with his castmates.

"Going into the show, Kevin felt he was the authority on what made things feel authentic to the subject matter," a source told the publication. "Everything about this franchise is Taylor's creation, his baby. So that was an area of tension, for sure."

The insider went further to add that there was "a bit of a power struggle" between them, and Costner became distant from the cast and "didn't interact with them" except when it came to filming.

But the actor is seemingly looking to put all that behind him and focus on salvaging what's left of his Hollywood career.

"[He] is kind of in a polite decline mode. … No one's blackballing him, but the phone has stopped ringing for leading-man money," a source claimed.

Kevin Costner Sued For Breach Of Contract With Costume Company

Costner's legal trouble continues to compound  as he has been sued by a company that lent him costumes for the production of his Western biopic "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2."

Western Costume Leasing Company is suing him and the producers for more than $400,000, alleging a breach of contract after they entered into an agreement for them to provide "valuable costumes" for the film, per People Magazine.

In the lawsuit, they claim Costner and his codefendants failed to make payments in a timely manner, racking up to $134,256.82. They're asking for more than $350,000 in damages, which includes the $134,256.82 in unpaid costume rentals and $150,000 in economic damages.

The company also seeks $200,000 in attorney's fees and $40,000 in accrued interest on the bills.