Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has announced the heartbreaking loss of his wife and lifelong partner, Lady Joan Branson, who passed away at the age of 80.
In an emotional message shared on social media, the billionaire entrepreneur wrote:
“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. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x.”
The couple, who were preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on February 7, had been inseparable since they met in the mid-1970s.
A Love Story That Began With Fate
Their paths first crossed in 1976 at The Manor, Virgin Records’ residential studio, where Branson said he “fell in love at first sight.”
He would later reveal that the blonde, witty Scottish woman “didn’t suffer fools” and possessed a grounded charm that immediately disarmed him.
Determined to win her heart, Branson frequently visited the bric-a-brac shop where she worked in Westbourne Grove, buying up quirky antiques in hopes of catching her attention. One of those purchases — a sign reading “Now That’s What I Call Music” — eventually inspired one of the world’s most successful compilation album series.
Years later, in hindsight, he said:
“Behind every man, there’s a great woman. Joan, you are the greatest woman of all.”
A Private Woman Who Anchored a Global Empire
Despite being married to one of the world’s most recognisable business figures, Lady Joan Templman Branson maintained a private life. Born in Glasgow to a ship carpenter and raised alongside six siblings, she carried her humble roots with her throughout her life.
Known as the quiet strength behind the Virgin empire, she was often described as Branson’s “source of wisdom,” the one whose calm, steady counsel shaped some of his best decisions.
The pair married in 1989 on Necker Island, just 14 years after they first met. Their children, Holly and Sam, were eight and four at the time, and the island would later become the family’s permanent home.
Branson once affectionately admitted that he only attempted to buy Necker Island in the 1970s “to impress Joan” — a bold move that eventually succeeded when his persistence paid off and he acquired the island for $180,000 after an initial rejected offer of $100,000.
A Devoted Mother and Grandmother
Lady Joan devoted herself to motherhood and later grandparenting, raising their children and doting on their five grandchildren — Artie, Etta, Lola, Eva-Deia, and Bluey Rafe Richard.
Branson frequently celebrated her on social media, including earlier this year on her 80th birthday:
“Thank you for being by my side through it all — the highs, the lows, and all those quiet moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most. I love you more and more each year.”
Five Decades of Love and Partnership
Over 50 years, the Bransons built a life filled with adventure, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and family. From their early days in London to the idyllic shores of Necker Island, their partnership remained unshakeable.
In a 2020 anniversary tribute, Sir Richard summed up the depth of their bond:
“Far beyond record titles, I owe a lot to Joan. She has always been a steady source of wisdom and played no small part in some of my best life decisions.”
A Legacy of Love
Lady Joan is remembered not only as the wife of one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs but as a beloved mother, grandmother, confidante, and the quiet heartbeat of the Branson family.
Sir Richard shared a tender message earlier this month with a photo of him kissing her forehead, captioned:
“Everyone needs a Joan in their life.”
Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary love story — one built on kindness, loyalty, partnership, and a lifetime of devotion.
