Richard Branson Honors Late Wife Joan, His Partner of 50 Years
Renowned businessman Sir Richard Branson is mourning the loss of his wife, Joan, who passed away at the age of 80. The couple shared 50 remarkable years together, and Branson celebrated her life with a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Richard Branson’s Tribute to Late Wife Joan
In his message, Branson expressed his heartbreak over Joan’s passing, calling her the “most wonderful mum and grandmum” to their children and grandchildren. He referred to her as his best friend, his rock, and his guiding light, concluding with, “Love you forever Joan x.”
Life Together
Richard and Joan’s journey began in 1976 when they met at the Virgin Records studio. The connection was immediate; Branson later described it as love at first sight. They married on Branson’s Necker Island in 1989, after Joan’s previous marriage had ended in divorce.
- Marriage Dates: Married Joan: 1989
- Children: Daughter Holly (44), Son Sam (40), and three grandchildren
- Tragic Loss: A second daughter died shortly after birth
Branson reminisced about Joan in a love letter during their 40th wedding anniversary in 2016. He recalled their first meeting, describing Joan as “a blonde-haired, down to earth, Scottish beauty,” who was preparing tea at the time. He praised her beauty, intelligence, and charisma, saying she had “eyes made of magic.”
Richard Branson’s Legacy
Sir Richard Branson, born in Blackheath, London in 1950, has built an impressive career. With a net worth estimated at £3.8 billion, he founded Virgin over 50 years ago. His ventures include:
- Virgin Records: Launched in 1972, sold to EMI in 1992 for £500 million
- Virgin Atlantic Airways: Established in 1984
- Virgin Trains: Founded in 1993
- Virgin Galactic: Launched in 2004, focusing on space tourism
Branson has shown a keen interest in pushing boundaries, such as his efforts in space tourism, with tickets priced at £153,000 for potential travelers to the cosmos.
As the world remembers Joan, her impact on both Richard and their family will forever resonate in their hearts, and Branson’s tribute is a testament to their enduring love.
