A source told PEOPLE that Kevin Costner did not want to opt for a divorce.
On Monday, a representative for Costner confirmed that Oscar winner Christine Baumgartner, 68, and his wife of 18, 49, had separated after filing for divorce on Monday.
A source tells PEOPLE that the divorce wasn’t Costner’s idea: “It wasn’t something he wanted or sought, and if he could change the situation, he would.”
In a statement announcing their separation, Costner’s representative wrote: “It is with great regret that circumstances beyond his control have emerged that have led Mr. Costner to participate in the dissolution of a marriage suit.”
Costner and Baumgartner were married in September 2004 and share three children: sons Cayden, 15, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 12. Costner is also the father of four older children from previous relationships: Annie, Lily, Joe, and Liam.
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In November, Costner spoke with PEOPLE about starting a family with Baumgartner. At the time, she said, “The house is nicer because of her. Everything is warmer because of her. There are these little things she does – and I think it’s the power of love – but that’s how she brings it home.”
The actor added what he learned from fatherhood, adding, “The world doesn’t revolve around you. It just doesn’t revolve around you. It doesn’t revolve around me.”
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Costner was previously married to his ex-wife Cindy Silva for 16 years before divorcing in 1994.
This The actress starred in the hit series yellowstone He starred as John Dutton for five seasons, but rumors began to circulate that he might leave the Paramount show in February and focus on directing and starring in an upcoming Western. Horizon. yellowstone It was expected to return with new episodes this summer, but production was not resumed for the second half of season 5.