Sir Richard Branson has announced the death of his wife Joan, paying tribute to his partner of 50 years as “my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world”.
The Virgin founder, 75, confirmed the news in an emotional statement shared on social media on Tuesday. “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” he wrote. “She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. Love you forever, Joan x.”
Joan Branson, who turned 80 just four months ago, remained a quiet but hugely influential presence throughout her husband’s career, often credited by him as the steadying force behind his business empire. Branson frequently paid tribute to her steadfast support, marking her milestone birthday in July with a heartfelt message thanking her for standing by him through “the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in-between”.
Richard Branson has announced the death of his wife Joan (pictured) (Getty Images)
Born in Glasgow in 1948, Joan Templeman grew up in a working-class family and held a variety of jobs in her early adulthood, including running an antique shop. She was previously married to musician Ronnie Leahy, from whom she divorced in 1978.
Her path crossed with Richard Branson’s in 1976 at the Virgin Records studio, where he later recalled experiencing “love at first sight” when he saw the “down-to-earth Scottish beauty who just happened to be making a cup of tea”. Their relationship developed as Virgin Records was expanding rapidly, and two years after they met, Branson made a bold romantic gesture that would become part of the Branson family story.
Hearing that a remote island in the British Virgin Islands was up for sale, the entrepreneur put in an offer for Necker Island — despite having nowhere near the funds to buy it at the time. “We were still in the early days of Virgin Records and I definitely did not have the cash,” he admitted in a blog post. “But try telling that to a fool in love.”
Richard and Joan Branson pictured on their wedding day (PA Archive)
The couple married on Necker Island in 1989 and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary ten years ago. To mark the occasion, Branson wrote a romantic letter reflecting on their five decades together as partners, parents and grandparents, thanking Joan for grounding him throughout the turbulence of his career.
The couple shared three children — Holly, Sam and the late Clare, who tragically died shortly after birth — and multiple grandchildren. Branson has long said that family has been the constant that shaped his life, and on Tuesday he told followers he would “forever cherish every moment” spent with Joan.
