Kevin Costner ‘given Yellowstone ultimatum from wife’ ahead of divorce announcement

Kevin Costner and wife Christine Baumgartner have filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage following rumours the actor was ‘issued an ultimatum’ over Yellowstone.

The couple confirmed the news with a joint statement today via Costner’s publicist that read: “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.”

The couple have both requested joint custody of their three children – sons Cayden, 15, and Hayes, 14, and daughter, Grace, 12.

The news comes eight months after reports claimed Baumgartner had urged Costner to quit his leading role in TV series Yellowstone.

Starring as ruthless patriarch John Dutton, Costner has become a household name for a new generation in the much-loved TV series, which is currently on hiatus from its fifth season.

However, there have been ongoing rumours that the second half of season five may prove to be the show’s last, with Costner and creator Taylor Sheridan clashing behind the scenes.

In October 2022, before the rumours around the future of the show started, RadarOnline reported Baumgartner had asked Costner to dial back on work commitments as it saw him leave home for an extended period of time.

This included Yellowstone, which is largely filmed in Utah and Montana, and his new project Horizon: An American Saga, which Costner is directing, producing and starring in.

“It’s really knocked a hole in their family life,” a source told RadarOnline. “The show is such a mega-hit, producers want it to go on forever! However, Christine wants her husband to hang up his cowboy hat.”

Costner’s split from Baumgartner is the actor’s second divorce – the first being to his college sweetheart, Cindy Silva.

The couple split in 1994 after 16 years of marriage and a 19-year relationship. Together they have two daughters and one son.

Costner and Baumgartner first met via mutual friends in 2000, getting married in 2004 in Aspen, Colorado.

The pair raised their family in California.

Since the season five mid-season finale of Yellowstone aired in January, there has been no confirmation as to when the second half will even begin filming, let alone air.

While this was initially put down to scheduling conflicts with Costner, speculation over drama behind the scenes emerged at the end of March.

It’s claimed Costner – who is currently boasting the highest salary on US television on up to $1.5million (according to Variety) – wanted more money for his role as John.

He also wanted to strip back his availability to just a week during the summer for the upcoming season (according to Deadline).