Kevin Costner has stirred fresh dating speculation after he was photographed shopping in Santa Barbara with lifestyle coach Jennifer Milburn.
The “Yellowstone” star and Milburn walked through a local Albertsons and its parking lot. They also took turns pushing the shopping cart.
The Daily Mail identified Costner’s companion as Milburn, a 40-year-old lifestyle coach. Costner was described as 71.
The photographs establish that the two shared a grocery run. They do not establish the nature of their relationship.
No exact date was given beyond “recently,” and no reason for the outing was stated. Neither Costner nor Milburn was quoted discussing the photographs.
The sighting follows earlier dating rumors involving Costner and country singer Jewel. Photos obtained by TMZ in December 2023 showed Jewel speaking into a microphone and appearing to sit on Costner’s lap.
Costner had his arms around Jewel’s waist in those images. He later said the photographs came from Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island.
During a June 2024 appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” Fox News reported, Costner rejected the suggestion that he and Jewel had dated:
“No, Jewel and I are friends. We've never gone out ever. She's special, and I don't want, I don't want these rumors to ruin our friendship because that's what we have,”
Costner also said, “She's special to me.” He added, “She's beautiful enough to go out with.”
Those comments drew a firm line between affection and romance. No similar explanation was included regarding Milburn and the Santa Barbara outing.
The grocery photographs come after the end of Costner’s 18-year marriage to handbag designer Christine Baumgartner. She filed for divorce in May 2023 and cited April 11 as their separation date.
The former couple share three children: Cayden, Hayes and Grace. Baumgartner challenged Costner in court over child support and the validity of their prenuptial agreement.
Documents obtained by Fox News Digital indicated that Costner and Baumgartner eventually agreed to joint legal and physical custody. They finalized their divorce in February 2024.
When the split became public, Costner’s representative said circumstances beyond his control had led him to take part in the divorce proceedings. The representative also asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
Costner has since remained in the public eye through his work, including “Horizon: An American Saga.” But this time, a routine stop at an Albertsons generated the attention.
A photograph can start a rumor, but it cannot settle one. That requires facts or a clear word from the people involved.
