Lady Joan Branson, the steadfast partner and wife of billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, has died at the age of 80. For over four decades, she served as the unwavering foundation supporting her husband as Virgin grew from a modest record company into one of Britain's most prominent multinational corporations.
A Love That Shaped an Empire
Sir Richard Branson recently revealed in an emotional tribute that his love for Joan remained undiminished after decades together. In a heartfelt blog post marking their 44th anniversary in 2020, the Virgin founder shared intimate details of their first meeting and the profound impact she had on both his personal life and business ventures.
The couple's story began in 1976 at The Manor, Virgin's residential recording studio, where their eyes first met. Sir Richard confessed: "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." He quickly recognised that Joan, a down-to-earth Scottish woman, wouldn't be swayed by his usual flamboyant behaviour.
The Unconventional Courtship
Discovering that Joan worked at a nearby bric-a-brac shop in Westbourne Grove, Sir Richard embarked on a determined campaign to win her affection. His approach demonstrated the same relentless persistence that would later define his five-decade business career, though initially it lacked the confidence one might expect from a future billionaire.
"One day, I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in," Sir Richard recalled in his blog. He pretended fascination with the shop's collection of old signs and advertisements, engaging the owner Liz in conversation while hoping to impress Joan.
Over subsequent weeks, his frequent visits amassed an impressive collection of vintage hand-painted tin signs advertising products from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes. His houseboat residence soon overflowed with quirky advertisements declaring messages like 'Dive in Here for Tea' and 'Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained'.
How Love Inspired Music History
One particular purchase would unexpectedly change music history. Sir Richard acquired a Danish Bacon poster featuring a pig licking its lips while looking at a chicken on a nest, accompanied by the caption: 'Now That's What I Call Music'.
This kitsch poster became etched in his mind during brainstorming sessions for Virgin Records' new compilation album series. The catchy phrase inspired the title 'Now That's What I Call Music!', which would become the biggest-selling album series in history.
Despite her indirect influence on music folklore, Joan preferred to remain out of the spotlight. Born in Glasgow in 1945, she was raised by her ship carpenter father alongside her six siblings. Throughout her husband's rise to global fame, she maintained her privacy, avoiding public attention and rarely granting interviews.
The Island That Sealed Their Love
In his moving tribute, Sir Richard acknowledged: "Far beyond record titles, I owe a lot to Joan. She's my wife of 30 years, partner of 44 years, the mother of our two wonderful children and my constant rock."
Remarkably, the acquisition of Necker Island originated as a grand romantic gesture to impress Joan two years after they met. Despite Virgin Records still being in its early days and lacking sufficient funds, Sir Richard arranged a viewing trip for the beautiful British Virgin Islands property.
"Together we strolled around Necker Island and dreamed up plans for turning it into our home and a haven for musicians," he remembered. However, their dreams temporarily shattered when sellers rejected his $100,000 offer against their $6 million asking price. The couple found themselves hitch-hiking back to the airport, "ego bruised and sunburnt."
Sir Richard's persistence ultimately prevailed when he purchased the island for $180,000 a year later after 'begging and borrowing'. They married there eleven years later in 1989, with the island now valued at hundreds of millions.
A Lasting Legacy
The Bransons celebrated their wedding on Necker Island when their children, Holly and Sam, were eight and four years old respectively. Their family expanded to include five grandchildren: Artie, Etta and Lola (Holly's children with husband Fred Andrews), plus Eva-Deia and Bluey Rafe Richard (born to Sam and his wife Isabella).
Sir Richard announced Joan's passing on his social media channels, just days after posting: "Everyone needs a Joan in their life," alongside a photograph of his beloved wife. Lady Joan had appeared in good health while celebrating her 80th birthday this summer.
Reflecting on their life together five years ago, Sir Richard expressed: "If I cast my mind back to that day at The Manor 44 years ago, I never could have imagined what the next four decades would bring, with a lifetime of love, wonderful children and our delightful grandchildren. I wouldn't have been able to do it all without Joan, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
