Kevin Costner, 68, and Jewel, 49, are having “fun” dating – but are “not serious” – after the singer fell for the Yellowstone star's “country western vibe” when mutual friend Richard Branson played matchmaker by both of them to invite to Necker Island

Kevin Costner and his new love interest Jewel have 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, while the pair – who are both longtime friends of Branson – also posed for group photos as they reportedly grew closer over Thanksgiving weekend.

They are said to be “having fun” but not “serious,” according to a source, who said the banter has revived the Grammy-nominated singer.

“Jewel loves herself as a man and she's really into Kevin's country-western vibe,” they told DailyMail.com exclusively. “They're not serious right now, but they're having fun.

Kevin Costner, 68, and Jewel, 49 (pictured over Thanksgiving weekend) are dating and have mutual friend Richard Branson, 73, to thank for their blossoming romance

A source exclusively told DailyMail.com that Branson (pictured with Costner in 1999) invited the couple to his resort on Necker Island in the Caribbean.

Jewel (pictured in a selfie from Love Island weekend) “loves herself like a man and is all about Kevin's country-western vibe,” a friend of the singer told DailyMail.com

“Richard is 100 percent responsible for Kevin and Jewel's relationship. She has been a friend of Branson's for years and he has been a good friend of Kevin's since the 1990s.'

Branson, 73, invited Costner to his luxury island in an attempt to 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 to benefit her Inspiring Children Foundation.

“Richard invited Jewel to her charity fundraiser at Necker and, honestly, the meeting happened organically,” the source continued. 'We hit it off well and Jewel seems happy with it.

'She's not really one for words, but her friends see a light in her that hasn't been there for a long time.”

TMZ was the first to report on their budding romance, claiming 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 anyone who saw them could tell something was going on.”

Branson invited Costner – who he has been friends with for almost 30 years – to his Necker Island in the Caribbean after the actor's divorce from 49-year-old Christine Baumgartner was finalized.

Richard (pictured in December) also invited Jewel to the island, where she held a charity fundraiser in support of her Inspiring Children Foundation

According to the source, the chemistry between Jewel (pictured during the week-long stay on Necker Island) and Costner developed 'organically' – and the singer seems 'happy with it'

The source also claimed that Jewel has been “picky about who to date” but thinks Kevin “fits the bill.”

Her son Kase, 12, who she had with ex-husband Ty Murray, was pictured with her on the beach in photos shared to her Instagram account.

She mentioned Costner last week when discussing the fundraising event, revealing that he was “kind enough to mentor our kids this year.”

She wrote: 'Every year my foundation and I go to Necker Island to help organize a tennis event with Richard Branson to raise money for our children. Great players like to come and support us in doubles with the people who come.

'It's an incredible time, which I use to relax, rest and play with my son! and Sir Richard was his usual inspiring self, also playing a mean double!'

Costner and Jewel were also seen partying with other stars like Emma Watson and Michael Bolton on 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.

Nearly a year before ending their 19-year marriage, Costner and Baumgartner attended the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Jewel has also had several long-term relationships, including with her ex-husband of six years, Ty Murray, with whom she has a 12-year-old son – pictured together in 2011

In October, their very acrimonious divorce was finalized and announced in a joint statement to DailyMail.com.

“Kevin and Christine Costner have reached an amicable and mutually agreed resolution to all issues relating to their divorce proceedings,” it said.

Costner was previously married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994. Their children are Annie, 39, Lily, 36, and Joe, 35.

He also has son Liam Costner with Bridget Rooney, who he dated after his divorce from Silva.

Jewel has previously been linked to actor Sean Penn and NFL star Charlie Whitehurst.