Joan Branson, wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, has died at age 80. Richard Branson announced her death on social media, expressing profound heartbreak for his 'best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world' and partner of 50 years.
Joan Branson, the beloved wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, has passed away at the age of 80. Richard Branson shared the heartbreaking news on Tuesday via Instagram and LinkedIn, though no further details regarding her death were provided. In his emotional tribute, Branson described Joan as his 'wife and partner for 50 years,' and 'the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.' He further hailed her as 'my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.' Richard Branson, renowned as the founder of Virgin Atlantic airline, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Orbit, met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England. He recalled her as a 'down-to-earth Scottish lady' who worked at an antique shop. Branson humorously recounted how he would frequent her shop, buying old hand-painted tin signs, just to spend time with her. The couple shared three children: Holly, Sam, and Sarah Clare, who tragically died shortly after birth in 1979.
