The Truth Show BLOG

After 18 years of marriage, the Yellowstone star and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, are separating.

AFTER five years of playing beloved patriarch John Dutton on the smash-hit series Yellowstone, actor Kevin Costner is leaving the show. The surprising news comes amid rumors of behind-the-scenes tension between the Oscar winner and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, as well as reports that the grueling filming hours got the best of Kevin. “He had to juggle a ridiculously hectic schedule,” says a source, “and had so many demands on his shoulders.”

The dramatic decision to bow out was a case of too little, too late for Kevin’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, who blindsided the 68-year-old with divorce papers on May 1. “Kevin doesn’t deny that his work commitments were taking a toll on their relationship,” the source tells Star. “But he’s shocked and heartbroken.” The actor and Christine, 49 — who wed in 2004 — share three kids: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 12. Now he’s bracing himself for what could be a messy split. “Kevin’s worth more than $250 million, and that’s not even counting his Yellowstone fortune,” says a second source. “If Christine doesn’t get what she wants, it could get very contentious.”

ABSENTEE HUSBAND

Things at home changed dramatically when Kevin signed on to do Yellowstone in 2018. “They were living a much quieter life before he threw himself into that,” says the first source. While Kevin toiled away on set in Wyoming, Christine, a handbag designer, was left alone with the kids back home in Santa Barbara, Calif. “It was difficult for her when he was gone for those long chunks of time,” says the source. “To Kevin’s credit, he was always checking in and breaking off to head home whenever he could, even for short stays, but Christine still felt his absence.”

They had heated discussions over the years about Kevin putting career over family. “It’s a lot like the Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen situation,” observes the source. “Christine wanted Kevin home but he couldn’t resist the incredible high-profile job opportunity.”

It wasn’t just the long hours. “The behind-the-scenes drama and in-fighting affected Kevin and Christine’s home life,” says the second source. In February, reports surfaced that Kevin wanted to shoot the remaining half of season 5 in just one week, in part to free up his time to work on his upcoming film, Horizon. (Kevin’s lawyer called the allegation “an absolute lie.”)

The last straw for Christine was when Kevin signed on to host yet another project, the Yellowstone: One-Fifty docuseries. “The word is Christine blew her top when Kevin took that gig,” says the first source. “It was a step too far for her after they’d spent so much time apart.”

OTHER ISSUES

Kevin’s career was just one of the factors in play. “It may have added some stress, but that didn’t end their marriage,” claims the second source, adding that Christine had been feeling unsatisfied for a while. “She loves Kevin and she always will, but after almost 20 years together, things changed. They wanted different things,” says the source. “I hate to say they drifted apart, but that’s exactly what happened.”

They both tried to make things work. “They did go to counseling,” reveals the source, “even though it’s not one of Kevin’s favorite things to do.” The source says the topic of divorce had come up before. “It had been brought up during some heated arguments, but none of their friends ever thought it would actually happen.”

EXCESS BAGGAGE

There was a precedent, however. Kevin’s divorce from his first wife, Cindy Silva, cost him a whopping $80 million back in 1994. The Field of Dreams actor reportedly paid off Cindy (with whom he shares Annie, 39, Lily, 36, and Joe, 35) as rumors of his extramarital affairs — including with a hula dancer on the Hawaii set of Waterworld — ran rampant. (He denied them at the time.) He’s hoping his split with Christine is less costly — court documents reveal the pair had a prenup in place and both parents are seeking joint custody — and that their three kids won’t be forced to choose sides. “Sometimes high-profile divorces, especially with young children involved, can get ugly,” notes the second source.

IN DEEP

For now, he’s doing his best to pick up the pieces. “Kevin’s liaising with his lawyers and figuring out his next moves,” reveals the first source. “The kids are his No. 1 priority and he wants to stay strong for their sake.” The source says a few of his Yellowstone costars have reached out, including Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly. “They’re offering to support him in any way they can,” says the source, adding that it “means a lot” to the spiraling actor. “He’s in a world of pain and really needs all the love and friendship he can get.”