The global business and philanthropic community is mourning the loss of Joan Branson, the wife of renowned British billionaire and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. She passed away at the age of 80.
A Heartfelt Announcement from a Grieving Husband
Richard Branson shared the tragic news of his wife's passing on Tuesday through heartfelt posts on his official Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. He did not disclose any specific details regarding the cause of her death.
In his emotional tribute, the entrepreneur wrote, "Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away." He celebrated her life and their long partnership, adding, "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."
A Love Story That Began in the 1970s
The couple's enduring romance began in 1976. Richard Branson recounted in a 2020 blog post that he first met Joan at The Manor, a recording studio located in Oxfordshire, England. He was immediately captivated by the down-to-earth Scottish lady who, he quickly realized, would not be impressed by his usual flamboyant antics.
At the time, Joan was working at an antique shop that specialized in old signs and advertisements. Branson described mustering the courage to enter her shop and, over the subsequent weeks, using his frequent visits as an opportunity to get to know her better. These visits resulted in him acquiring an impressive collection of hand-painted tin signs advertising products from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes.
A Legacy of Family and Partnership
Joan and Richard Branson built a large family together over their five-decade partnership. They were parents to three children: Holly, Sam, and Sarah Clare. The family experienced profound tragedy early on when their daughter, Sarah Clare, died shortly after her birth in 1979.
Throughout their marriage, Joan was a constant and supportive presence beside her husband as he built his business empire, which includes the Virgin Atlantic airline, the space tourism company Virgin Galactic, and the satellite launcher Virgin Orbit. She was by his side at major milestones, including the 2018 ceremony where Richard Branson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
While the world knew him as a charismatic and daring businessman, Joan Branson remained his personal anchor—a beloved mother, grandmother, and the steadfast partner behind one of the most famous entrepreneurs of our time.
