At 70, Kevin Costner shared that storytelling serves as a source of healing and reflection in his life, explaining his perspective during the Art of Elysium’s Vision of Heaven Gala in Montecito, California, on November 11. The Yellowstone star emphasized how storytelling can inspire individuals to embrace heroism and personal growth, revealing its deeper significance beyond entertainment.
Storytelling as a Path to Healing and Inspiration
Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, Costner described storytelling as a vessel for healing and learning, noting its ability to remind people of their aspirational selves. He said,
“I think storytelling can be healing. It can be informative. It can remind us of who we think we’d like to be,”
Kevin Costner, actor.
He elaborated on how narratives, even in subtle moments of heroism portrayed in movies, encourage viewers to recognize admirable qualities they might strive to embody. Costner explained,
“A lot of times you see great heroism on the screen, sometimes even in the smallest way. And when we see it, we recognize it, and we think to ourselves, I need to be like that. We know what the opposite is. But sometimes we see things in movies that we wish we would have said that we still can.”
These reflections highlight the power of storytelling to influence personal decisions and provoke meaningful self-examination.
Balancing Parenthood and Personal Life Amid Holiday Changes
Costner discussed how his storytelling approach connects to his current focus on family, especially through changes following his recent divorce. He is making an effort to create lasting memories with his children during the holidays, despite no longer sharing the traditional family dynamic he once had. The actor shares seven children with his ex-wives Christine Baumgartner, Cindy Silva, and Bridget Rooney, including Cayden, Hayes, Grace, Annie, Lily, Joe, and Liam.
Addressing challenges of co-parenting and holiday adjustments, Costner said,
“I think when they were younger, there were things that were more repetitive,”
Kevin Costner, actor.
“Now you’re just fighting to get them home from college or fight. … You know what I mean, just getting together. So, I do the best I can to make it as warm as I can.”
He also admitted missing former holiday traditions, explaining,
“And I’m a bachelor, so I kind of miss those, like, really cute things to do, you know, so I have to work especially hard to make sure there’s that stuff that they think about and remember,”
Kevin Costner, actor.
Divorce Resolution and Focus on Children’s Well-Being
Costner and Baumgartner finalized their divorce in February 2024 after almost 19 years of marriage, following a settlement reached in September 2023. The split was reported as amicable, with joint custody arrangements agreed upon and Costner ordered to provide over $63,000 in monthly child support. Addressing the difficulties of maintaining family unity during this transition, Costner told People in June 2024,
“You just do it. You just keep talking, you keep coaching [the kids], you keep interested in what they’re interested in.”
New Relationships and Moving Forward
After the divorce, Costner has begun quietly dating director and author Kelly Noonan Gores. An insider shared,
“They are hanging out casually and were connected by friends,”
insider.
“They have been getting to know each other and seeing each other casually when they can.”
Meanwhile, Baumgartner has also moved on, marrying financier Josh Connor in October 2024 at Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
The Continued Impact of Storytelling on Costner’s Life
For Kevin Costner, storytelling remains an important tool not only for his career but also for navigating personal challenges and emotional healing. His emphasis on stories as a guiding light in uncertain times suggests that both his work and personal experiences are deeply intertwined with the art of narrative. As he moves forward, balancing his artistic pursuits with family responsibilities and new relationships, storytelling continues to serve as a source of strength and connection.
