The business world and beyond are mourning the loss of Joan Branson, the wife of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, who has died at the age of 80.
Sir Richard, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, paying an emotional tribute to his wife of more than three decades, whom he described as his "guiding light" and "his world".
A Love Story That Began in a London Shop
The couple's remarkable partnership spanned half a century, beginning in 1976 when they first met. Sir Richard recalled falling for Joan "almost from the moment" he saw her while she was working at a bric-a-brac shop on Westbourne Grove in west London.
Determined to win her affection, the young entrepreneur made frequent visits to the shop, purchasing "countless objects" just for the chance to speak with her. His persistence paid off, and they soon began dating. One of his purchases, a sign reading "Now, that's what I call music," would later inspire Virgin's best-selling compilation album series.
Building a Family and a Life Together
After 13 years together, the couple married in 1989 in a private ceremony on Necker Island, Sir Richard's private retreat. Together, they built a family, raising their two children, Holly and Sam.
In a 2015 blog post, Sir Richard painted a picture of a deeply supportive partnership, noting that Joan was a "very private person" who had "always stood by me mentally, emotionally and spiritually." He described her as a "blonde-haired, down-to-earth, Scottish beauty who didn't suffer fools."
A Legacy of Love and Partnership
Announcing her passing, the 75-year-old Virgin founder wrote: "Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away." He celebrated her as "the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for."
He concluded his tribute by reaffirming her central role in his life, calling her his "best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world." True to her private nature, the announcement gave no indication of the cause of her death.
Born in Glasgow, Joan was the daughter of a ship carpenter and one of six siblings. Her enduring 50-year relationship with one of Britain's most famous entrepreneurs stands as a testament to a love that began with a chance meeting in a London shop and grew into a lifetime of shared adventures and family.
