Sir Richard Branson has shared a devastating tribute to his beloved wife Joan, revealing she passed away just three months before they were due to celebrate the 50th anniversary of when they first met.
A Final Loving Moment
The Virgin Group founder posted what would become their final photograph together on Instagram on November 15th, showing the couple dressed elegantly for an event with glasses of champagne in hand. In the poignant image, Richard is seen planting a tender kiss on Joan's head - a characteristic public display of affection that had become familiar to those who followed the couple.
Branson captioned the heartfelt post: "Everyone needs a Joan in their life." The comment section quickly filled with emotional responses from followers who recognised the special bond between the pair. One admirer wrote: "I agree," while another described Joan as 'the best'. A third commented: "So special," as a fourth added: "Amen! She's everything. Elegant. Funny. Smart. Practical. Lovely."
Fifty Years of Partnership
Richard announced the heartbreaking news of his 80-year-old wife's passing through social media earlier today. Sharing a beautiful photograph of a smiling Joan, he wrote: "I am heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away."
He continued with a touching tribute: "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 love story began in 1976, when Richard experienced what he described as "love at first sight." He once revealed: "I often make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them, and I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her."
A Scottish Rock and Business Partner
Joan, described by Richard as a "down-to-earth Scottish lady," was working in an antiques shop in London's Notting Hill when they met. The young entrepreneur would frequently visit her shop to purchase vintage signs, which eventually decorated the houseboat he called home at the time.
Their romance blossomed, leading to marriage on Necker Island in 1989 and the birth of their two children - Holly, now 44, and Sam, aged 40. Richard often credited Joan as being his "constant rock" and a "steady source of wisdom" throughout their life together.
Remarkably, Joan's influence extended to some of Virgin's most significant business successes. The couple jointly developed the iconic slogan 'Now That's What I Call Music!' which became the biggest-selling album series in history.
Even their beloved Necker Island home owes its existence to Joan. Richard recalled how, two years after meeting, he wanted to create "a grand gesture of affection" for her. Despite Virgin Records being in its early days and lacking sufficient funds, he arranged to view the Caribbean island after hearing it was for sale.
"Before we knew it, Joan and I were high in the sky, looking down over our future home," Richard remembered. "It was the second time I experienced love at first sight... I wouldn't have been able to do all it without Joan, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
The business magnate's tribute underscores the profound partnership that defined their nearly five decades together, making the timing of her passing - just months before their golden anniversary - particularly poignant for the Branson family and those who admired one of Britain's most enduring celebrity marriages.
