Richard Branson '100 percent responsible' for Kevin Costner and Jewel 'hooking up' on his Caribbean island

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Self-described matchmaker and “cupid” Sir Richard Branson is “responsible for” Kevin Costner’s latest romance with the ‘You Were Meant For Me’ singer Jewel.

It has been reported that the billionaire businessman invited the recently single Kevin Costner, 68, and the 49-year-old singer to his Caribbean Island of Necker during the Thanksgiving holidays. 

Kevin Costner and Jewel ‘hit it off well’

A source close to the trio claimed, "Richard is 100 percent responsible for Kevin and Jewel hooking up.”

They continued, "She has been a friend of Branson’s for years and he has been a close friend of Kevin’s since the 1990s."

The romantic locale fueled the connection as the ‘Yellowstone’ star and Jewel were photographed together during a fundraiser for the ‘Down So Long’ singer’s Inspiring Children Foundation.

Talking about the latest development in the pair’s relationship, the insider said, "Richard invited Jewel to hold her charity fundraiser on Necker [his island] and, honestly, the hookup happened organically. They hit it off well, and Jewel seems to be happy about it.”

The source, however, said that while Costner and Jewel are “having fun”, they are yet to be “serious,” per OK! Magazine.

The internet was abuzz with the ‘The Bodyguard’ actor and the ‘Down So Long’ singer’s purported romance after they were photographed getting cozy on the island getaway.

One of the sources shared, "There was definitely something going on. They were flirty, and when they were together, it was like they both just lit up.”

The source further added, "You could tell they were trying to be discreet, but anybody who saw them could tell something was going on."

After Costner's tumultuos divorce with his wife of two decades, Christine Baumgartner, this was the first time the 'Draft Day' actor is rumored to be in a romantic entanglement. If his relationship with Jewel goes forward, it would also be his first relationship since divorce.

Following his messy divorce, a source said, "He's warming up to the idea of dating again."

However, they explained, "He's not looking for anything serious, but companionship would be nice."

Jewel gave a shout out to Kevin Costner

In an Instagram on November 28, Jewel even gave a shout out to Branson and Costner for participating in her charity. She wrote, "Every year, my foundation @inspiringchildren and I go to Necker Island to help host a tennis event w @richardbranson to raise funds for our kids."

She continued, "Amazing players like @geniebouchard 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!"

Mentioning Costner, she said, "@kevincostnermodernwest was kind enough to mentor our kids this year, and Sir Richard was his usual inspiring self- who also plays a mean game of doubles!"

Richard Branson described himself to be a 'cupid'

Sir Richard Branson has often announced his matchmaking skills with much glee. In 2017, the founder of the Virgin group took to his social media to call himself a "cupid" jokingly.

He once tweeted in 2017, "Love matchmaking – my penchant for meddling has earned me a reputation as a bit of a cupid."