Kevin Costner Addresses Jewel Dating Rumors: “It Just Hasn’t Happened”
Kevin Costner has spoken out regarding rumors of a romance with Jewel.
During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the Yellowstone star, who finalized his divorce from Christine Baumgartner in February, clarified their relationship, stating they have never actually gone out together.
When Stern mentioned hearing rumors, Costner responded, “No, Jewel and I are friends. We’ve never gone out ever. She’s special to me, and I don’t want these rumors to jeopardize our friendship. She’s beautiful enough to date, but it just hasn’t happened.”
Stern asked how the rumors started, to which Costner explained, “We were at [Richard] Branson’s island. She was there for a foundation event, and I had been invited by Branson, who has been asking me to visit Necker Island for years. I finally decided to go.”
He noted, “I was on a plane with nine other people, including Jewel and Emma Watson. We had some great conversations.”
Addressing the speculation, Costner said, “The rumor was that I flew down and back with her, but that wasn’t the case. I don’t want the press to damage our friendship because I’ve had meaningful conversations with her. She’s incredibly smart and has been through a lot, which creates a bond between us.”
He reassured listeners, “We don’t have a romance, and we haven’t dated. She’s everything you might think, but it just hasn’t happened.”
Costner also mentioned needing to explain the rumors to his children, who had been curious about them. In December, the pair was seen getting cozy during a trip to the British Virgin Islands, with photos showing Jewel sitting on Costner’s lap.
Sources claimed that while they seemed flirty, their connection was still in the early stages. An insider told People magazine that there was “a significant attraction on both sides,” noting, “Jewel is Kevin’s type, and he enjoys being in a relationship, especially now that his contentious divorce is behind him.”
