Kevin Costner and Jewel were seen cuddling during a Caribbean vacation, surprising fans. However, their romance is not as recent as many believed. According to an insider in the new issue of We, Costner, 68, and Jewel, 49, have been quietly dating for a while now. "Kevin and Jewel hold each other in high regard and have always had a great connection," the source explained. "They are compatible in many ways."
The insider revealed that the couple's romance developed naturally as they bonded over their mutual love of music. Costner's passion for his band, Modern West, and singing, combined with Jewel's involvement in the country-and-western scene, brought them together after years of being part of the same social circles. It's been a source of jest among their shared friends that they didn't become a couple sooner. Despite their strong connection, the insider disclosed that Costner and Jewel are proceeding cautiously due to Costner's recent difficult divorce from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner.
Kevin Costner, Jewel. Getty Images (2)
“There’s no pressure of expectation here,” the source revealed. “Kevin just wants to go with the flow — and so does she. But the consensus is that he’s found a real keeper in Jewel and that this has the makings of something that could be very special.”
Costner and Jewel (Jewel Kilcher) were first seen earlier this month getting cozy during a trip to Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Photos published by TMZ on December 8 showed the pair getting cozy while attending a tennis fundraiser for Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation. In one photo, Costner had his arms around Jewel’s waist as she held a microphone, seemingly addressing other attendees at the event. The couple also posed for a group photo, both donning all-white ensembles.
Seven months after filing for divorce from Costner in May following an 18-year marriage, Baumgartner and Costner were seen out together. They share three children - sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 13. Costner also has children from previous marriages. The divorce was finalized in September after a drawn-out dispute over child support and the timeline for Baumgartner to leave the family home in California.
"This location is incredibly unpleasant, but unfortunately, this is our current situation," Costner shared with Access Hollywood in September. "It's incredibly distressing, especially considering the fact that someone I care deeply about is on the other side - I just can't bear it."
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Prior to her romance with Costner, Jewel was previously married to rodeo cowboy Ty Murray from 2008 to 2014. The former couple share son Kase Townes, 12.
For more on Jewel and Costner’s romance, watch the video above and pick up the new issue of We, on stands now.