Sir Richard Branson, the renowned British tycoon, has been left heartbroken following the sudden death of his beloved wife, Joan. The family confirmed she passed away this week at the age of 80.
A Love Story Spanning Five Decades
The Virgin Group founder announced the devastating news in a poignant Instagram post on Tuesday, November 25. He described Joan as his "wife and partner for 50 years", expressing that he was "heartbroken" by her passing.
Sir Richard's tribute painted a picture of a deeply devoted partnership. He wrote: "She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x."
The couple's remarkable romance began in 1976. For Richard, it was "love at first sight", though Joan was reportedly initially unimpressed by the dishevelled music mogul. He later recalled his first impressions, gushing: "She was unlike any other woman I had ever met. She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was down to earth. She was fun. And she had eyes made of magic."
Family Life and Tragic Loss
After Joan eventually succumbed to his charms, the couple built a life together, welcoming two children: Holly, now 44, and Sam, 40. They tied the knot in 1989 on Necker Island, the private paradise Richard purchased as a gift for his wife, which later became their family home.
However, their journey was not without profound sorrow. Before the birth of Holly and Sam, the couple tragically lost their first daughter, Clare, who was born in 1979 but lived for only four days.
Just days before her death, Richard shared a final, joyful photo with his wife on social media dated November 15. The image captured a dressed-up couple holding glasses of champagne, with Richard planting a characteristic kiss on Joan's head. The caption read: "Everyone needs a Joan in their life."
Final Days and a Lasting Legacy
In a new statement, Richard revealed poignant details about their final days together. Both had been hospitalised - Joan with a back injury and Richard after a bicycle accident in India left him with a shoulder injury. Remarkably, they ended up on the same hospital ward.
"We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again," Richard shared.
He described their final moments together after a "lovely lunch": "She was in positive spirits and getting stronger. She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago. Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side."
Speaking about how the family is coping, Richard added: "Holly, Sam and I are all together now, doing our best to smile through the tears and to focus on all the good things Joan brought into our world. There are so many. Life will never be the same without her."
He reflected on their fifty years together: "We have 50 incredible years of memories - years filled with tears and laughter, kindness, and a love that shaped our family more than words could ever capture. Joan was my everything, the shining star around which our family's universe has always orbited. That light is not gone; it's just taken on a new shape. It will guide us forward. And we will carry her with us, always."
Joan, who was five years older than her 75-year-old husband, passed away just before the couple were due to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their meeting in 2026.
