Over the weekend, Kevin Costner, known for keeping his family life private, opened up about his children.

The 71-year-old actor and his former wife, 51-year-old Christine Baumgartner, finalized their divorce in 2024. Together, they have three children: sons Cayden, 18, Hayes, 16, and daughter Grace, 15.

Costner also has three older children—Annie, 41, Lily, 39, and Joe, 37—from his previous marriage to Cindy Silva, as well as a son, Liam, 30, with former partner Bridget Rooney.

During an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail at Fanatics’ pre-Super Bowl event in San Francisco, Costner shared his aspirations for his children, expressing his desire for them to admire him.

“I used to be the strongest person they ever saw. I want to maintain that image for them,” he stated.

Reflecting on his life, Costner expressed gratitude for the path he has taken, especially his long-standing career in Hollywood, which he considers a significant blessing.

Costner and his most recent ex Baumgartner, who wed 2004, separated in April 2023 and filed for divorce the following month. 

Kevin Costner, a father of seven, made rare comments about his kids over the weekend; pictured in San Francisco on Saturday

The 71-year-old filmmaker and 51-year-old ex-wife Christine Baumgartner– whose divorce was finalized in 2024 – share sons Cayden, 18, Hayes, 16, and daughter Grace, 15; pictured in February 2025

Baumgartner moved on with Costner’s former friend Josh O’Connor, and the actor ‘remains resentful of the situation,’ per Us Weekly.

‘Part of him wishes they could have made it work. It stings that she remarried, but he tries not focus on it,’ the publication’s source detailed. 

The star has been dating Kelly Noonan Gores since August.

But following his previous high-profile split, he is ‘being cautious’ in his new romance, according to Us Weekly’s source.

Gores, 46, has reportedly been a ‘grounding’ force for the former Yellowstone star.

The outlet’s insider said the pair ‘see each other when schedules allow, often spending time at his Santa Barbara estate.’

It was also shared that they ‘love dinners at home, walks on the beach and quiet nights in.’

But the person close to the Hollywood vet clarified he is ‘not looking for a serious relationship or marriage any time soon’ and described the relationship as ‘private and casual.’

While attending the Fanatics’ pre-Super Bowl party in San Francisco, he said, ‘I still want my kids to look up to me. I used to be the strongest person they ever saw. I want to stay that way for them’

Costner and Baumgartner, who wed 2004, separated in April 2023 and filed for divorce the following month; pictured in 2019

Costner has been dating Kelly Noonan Gores since August 

A source previously told Daily Mail: ‘Kevin is dating and happy again after a very dark time in his life.

‘He has been seeing Kelly. They were together in Aspen in late July. He has tried to keep it very hush hush because he doesn’t want this to go off the rails.’

‘She is exactly his type and they have a lot in common: the outdoors, sports — she likes to surf — long walks with dogs,’ the insider added.

‘Also she has young kids and he loves kids, so he thinks that’s cute. He says she is just “chill,” which is what he needs right now.’