Kevin Costner and his new love interest Jewel have their mutual friend Richard Branson to thank for their blossoming romance after the billionaire invited them to his Caribbean island – where she is believed to have fallen for the actor’s ‘country western vibe’.
The Oscar winner, 68, was pictured with his arms around Jewel’s waist, with the pair – who are both long-term friends of Branson’s – also seen posing for group shots as they reportedly grew close over the Thanksgiving weekend.
They are said to be ‘having fun’ but are not ‘serious,’ according to a source, who said the dalliance has reinvigorated the Grammy-nominated singer.
‘Jewel likes herself a man’s man and she is all about Kevin’s country western vibe,’ they told DailyMail.com exclusively. ‘They are not serious right now, but they are having fun.
‘Richard is 100 percent responsible for Kevin and Jewel hooking up. She has been a friend of Branson’s for years and he has been a close friend of Kevin’s since the 1990’s.’
Branson, 73, invited Costner to his luxury island in a bid to help distract his friend in the wake of his divorce from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, while Branson offered up his luxury island for Jewel’s charity fundraisers in aid of her Inspiring Children Foundation.
‘Richard invited Jewel to hold her charity fundraiser on Necker and, honestly, the hookup happened organically,’ the source continued. ‘They hit it off well and Jewel seems to be happy about it.
‘She is not really one for words, but her friends can see a light in her that hasn’t been there in quite some time.’
TMZ was the first to report on their budding romance, and claimed that they left Jewel’s fundraiser together and hung out for most of her stay. They also played tennis with Branson.
The site shared images showing Kevin with his arms around her waist as the Songlines jewelry designer, full name Jewel Kilcher, addressed her guests.
A separate source told the publication: ‘There was definitely something going on. They were flirty, and when they were together, it was like they both just lit up.
‘You could tell they were trying to be discreet, but anybody who saw them could tell something was going on.’
The source also claimed that Jewel has been ‘picky about who to date’ but feels Kevin ‘fits the bill.’
Her son Kase, 12, whom she had with ex-husband Ty Murray, was pictured on the beach with her in pictures shared to her Instagram account.
She mentioned Costner when discussing the fundraising event last week, revealing he was ‘kind enough to mentor our kids this year.’
She wrote: ‘Every year, my foundation and I go to Necker Island to help host a tennis event w Richard Branson to raise funds for our kids. Amazing players like come and support us in playing doubles with the folks who come.
‘It’s an incredible time, and one I use to relax, rest and play w my son! and Sir Richard was his usual inspiring self- who also plays a mean game of doubles!’
Costner and Jewel were also seen partying with other stars like Emma Watson and Michael Bolton at the private island over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The actor has previously been linked to Elle Macpherson, Joan Lunden and Cheryl Teigs, and, of course, his ex-wife Baumgartner, 49.
In October their very bitter divorce was finalized and announced in a joint statement to DailyMail.com.
‘Kevin and Christine Costner have come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution of all issues pertaining to their divorce proceedings,’ it read.
Costner was previously married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994. They children Annie, 39, Lily, 36, and Joe, 35.
He also has son Liam Costner with Bridget Rooney, who he dated after his split from Silva.
Jewel has previously been linked to actor Sean Penn and NFL star Charlie Whitehurst.
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