During a recent appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” Kevin Costner, 69, addressed the circulating rumors about a potential romantic involvement with singer Jewel. Costner clarified, “Jewel and I are friends — we’ve never gone out,” stressing that their relationship is simply friendly.
The conjecture around Costner and Jewel was initiated after they were spotted together at multiple gatherings, including a charity tennis event on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. The event was organized by Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation and also had celebrities like Emma Watson in attendance. Costner pointed out that their encounters at the event were within a larger group of nine individuals, contradicting rumors suggesting otherwise.
Costner expressed his concern to Stern about the impact of these rumors on their friendship. He said, “I don’t want these rumors to ruin our friendship because that’s what we have,” He praised Jewel as a “special” and “beautiful” individual, but clarified that there is no romantic relationship between them.
Jewel, 50, also commented on the rumors in a separate interview. She described Costner as a “great person” and acknowledged the public’s intense interest in their relationship. While she didn’t confirm or deny the rumors, she emphasized the significance of her professional collaboration with Costner during the fundraising event.
The rumors were fueled further by photographs showing Costner with his arms around Jewel’s waist while she addressed the audience, and the two posing together in matching outfits. However, both Costner and Jewel have consistently stated that their relationship is strictly platonic.
Costner has recently been dealing with a high-profile divorce from his wife of 18 years, Christine Baumgartner. The couple, who have three children together, finalized their divorce in September 2023 after Baumgartner initiated a separation earlier in the year. This has left Costner as a single parent, a role he mentioned during his trip to Necker Island.
Previously married to rodeo star Ty Murray, with whom she has a son, Jewel also spoke about her own personal challenges, including her painful separation from Murray. She explained how her role as a mother has been a significant influence on her career and personal development.
Despite the media’s attempts to create a romantic narrative around their friendship, the relationship between Costner and Jewel remains grounded in mutual respect and shared professional interests. Both continue to dedicate their focus to their respective careers and philanthropic endeavors, effectively quelling the rumors of a romantic relationship.
