Kevin Costner was reportedly “stunned” and taken by surprise when Christine Baumgartner, his wife of 18 years, filed for divorce.
The shock news hit the press earlier this week after Baumgartner filed papers on Monday, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
A representative for Costner released a statement reading: “It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action.”
“We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
Costner and Baumgartner married in 2004. The couple have three kids together: sons Cayden, 15, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 12. According to TMZ, both Costner and Baumgartner are requesting joint custody of their children in the split.
The pair were last seen together posing for cameras as recently as March, and there had been no rumors that their relationship had deteriorated (as their usually are in such situations).
Indeed, if sources are to believed then fans weren’t the only ones surprised that Costner and Baumgartner’s near-20-year union was coming to an end.
As per Page Six, Oscar-winner and Yellowstone star Costner had no clue his wife was planning to file for divorce.
“Kevin was very surprised by Christine’s actions, he obviously doesn’t want the divorce and he would take her back,” one friend reportedly said.
“It’s disappointing, he loves her and he loves his children.”
Costner, who at 68 maintains a very busy schedule, is said to have spent months away from home in order to film his popular Western series Yellowstone in Montana. Speculation insists his absence may have placed strain on his marriage.
The actor’s first marriage to Cindy Costner ended in a high-profile $80 million divorce in 1994 amidst a veritable storm of allegations concerning his alleged serial cheating. This time around, however, sources insist Costner has not strayed from his marriage bed.
“There was no issue of cheating at all,” one friend told Page Six. Meanwhile a representative for Costner rubbished claims of adultery, stating that any such allegations are “absolutely not true.”
Costner’s friend added: “I have no idea if Kevin even knows what the reasons are.”
Another source, who works in production on Yellowstone, added: “No-one knew about any issues. He was not ‘sequestered’ on the set and would often go home to visit his family.”
As per reports, Baumgartner did not ask for spousal support in her divorce filing, and a prenup is said to be in place to protect Costner’s estimated $250 million fortune.
The aforementioned friend of Costner’s told Page Six: “He’s shooting right now and it’s all very upsetting, you don’t expect your wife to file for divorce when you least expect it.”
Separations such as this one are never easy for the parties involved. Our thoughts go out to Kevin and Christine.
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