Sir Richard Branson has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his wife, Lady Joan Branson, following her death at the age of 80. The Virgin founder announced the sad news on his Instagram page, describing his partner of nearly 50 years as his 'best friend, rock, and guiding light'.
A Love Story For The Ages
The billionaire's grief has been accompanied by a resurgence of a deeply personal blog post he wrote in 2020, which offers an intimate look into their enduring romance. In it, Branson recounts how he met Joan and experienced love at first sight at The Manor, the live-in recording studio built for Virgin Records.
He wrote that he usually makes his mind up about someone in seconds, and he 'fell for Joan straight away'. At the time, Joan was working in an antiques shop in Notting Hill, conveniently close to the Virgin office. Branson confessed to having 'hovered uncertainly' outside the store before finally gathering the courage to go inside.
His attraction led him to purchase several old signs from her shop, a ploy he used to create more opportunities to see her. This charming beginning blossomed into a lifetime of partnership.
A Constant Rock and Source of Wisdom
In his writings, Sir Richard consistently credited Joan as being the foundation of his personal and professional life. He described her as his 'constant rock' and a 'steady source of wisdom' who played a significant role in his better life decisions.
Reflecting on their life together, which began 44 years prior to the 2020 post, he expressed awe at the journey. 'I never could have imagined what the next four decades would bring, with a lifetime of love, wonderful children in Holly and Sam and our delightful grandchildren,' he wrote. 'I wouldn’t have been able to do all it without Joan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.'
The couple, who would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February next year, built a family and a legacy together.
An Outpouring of Love and Tributes
The announcement of Joan's passing prompted an immediate and heartfelt outpouring of support from friends and admirers across the globe.
TV host Andrea Minski shared a touching memory, writing: 'I’m so sorry my friend... I really loved your wife. Every year at Necker she shared the best mom advice with me, and I’ll never forget our conversations over champagne.'
Businesswoman Sara Blakely also expressed her condolences, stating: 'Oh Richard …. Heartbroken. Sending so much love to you and your family. She is the best. The best. So glad you had each other for so long.'
Sir Richard's final public words about his wife, shared on social media in July for her 80th birthday, now carry a profound weight. He gushed: 'Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year.'
His heartbreaking final Instagram post serves as a powerful testament to their five-decade partnership: 'Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.'
