Sir Richard Branson is mourning deeply today following the death of his wife of more than five decades, Joan Templeman.
She passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of love, family and quiet support — far from the spotlight that often surrounded her husband’s global fame.
Branson announced the loss on social media with words that captured the depth of his grief and the enormity of their shared life together.
He described Joan as “my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world,” adding she had been “the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.”
Born in Glasgow in 1945, Joan met Branson in 1976 while working in an antique shop in London.
He has said he fell for her almost immediately — a down-to-earth Scottish woman whose grounded nature drew him in.
Their courtship blossomed during his early years building what became the Virgin empire.
They married in 1989 on Necker Island, Branson’s private retreat in the Caribbean, in a modest barefoot ceremony.
Over the following decades, Joan quietly stood beside him through the highs and lows of a life lived under global scrutiny.
Together they had three children. Their first daughter was born prematurely in 1979 but died after four days — a loss the couple rarely discussed publicly, though Branson once reflected that “it was obviously horrendous for Joan.”
Years later they welcomed two children who grew up away from glare: daughter Holly Branson and son Sam Branson.
To many observers, Joan was never the headline-grabbing partner of a billionaire entrepreneur.
She preferred to stay out of public life, focusing instead on home and family, and offering emotional and spiritual support to Branson when his work carried him across continents.
In recent days — just hours before the announcement of her death — Branson posted a warm photograph of the couple, simply captioned “Love this photo of Joan.”
The image became their final public portrait together.
News of Joan’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends and admirers worldwide.
Many highlighted her kindness, her discretion, and the stabilising presence she provided behind the scenes — a contrast to her husband’s larger-than-life public persona.
Their shared journey was often described as a love story grounded in respect, loyalty and everyday humanity.
In mourning Joan, Richard Branson loses more than a spouse of 50 years.
He loses a partner whose quiet strength helped shape the man he became — and whose memory will remain woven through his personal and professional life.
For the public, she remains a reassuring reminder that behind every headline can lie decades of ordinary love, shared grief and unwavering devotion.