Richard Branson, the head of Virgin, announced his wife Joan’s death at the age of 80 in a heartbreaking statement that described her as his “world” and “guiding light” for his family.
Sir Richard Branson, the entrepreneur known for his record-breaking adventures and business empire, has opened up on the loss of his wife. On Tuesday, the Virgin Group founder announced the death of his wife and partner of 50 years, Joan Templeman, in an emotional statement online.
At 80 years old, Joan was the grounding force behind one of the world’s most public figures. Her death marks the end of a love story that spanned five decades, from a chance meeting in a London antique shop to a life built on a private Caribbean island.
Breaking the news to the world via social media, a heartbroken Branson described Joan as his “world.” The 75-year-old 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.”
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The family has chosen to keep the details private because of her particular illness. Joan famously avoided the spotlight during her final days, but she was kept out of it.
She was reportedly in good health when she celebrated her 80th birthday in public as recently as July. Branson praised her ongoing presence “through the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content, and peaceful moments in between,” according to Branson at the time.
Their romance first emerged in 1976 when they had a chance meeting at a Bric-a-brac store in Westbourne Grove, London. When Branson entered the place, Joan, a “down-to-earth Scottish beauty” from Glasgow, entered.
At first glance, it wasn’t love for her, at least not. Joan was initially unimpressed by the dishevelled music mogul, even though Branson later said he almost fell for her “almost right away when I saw her.”
In a blog post for her 70th birthday, Branson wrote, “She was unlike any other woman I had ever met.” She was stunning, she said. She had good intelligence. She had a clever wit. She had a sense of humor. She made me laugh. And she possessed magical eyes.
Branson used the same persistence that would later define his business career to win her over. He stopped by the store to talk to her and purchase “unseen items” that he didn’t need.
His charm eventually wore her down, and perhaps his decision to buy Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.
The couple’s 1989 union on Necker Island, the place where they would raise their family, took place. As a testament to their already established life together, Holly and Sam, their two children, were present at the wedding 11 years after their first meeting.
The couple’s tragic loss of their first child, Clare Sarah, occurred just four days after the couple’s premature 1979 birth.
They later gave birth to Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Deia, and Bluey, respectively, who are now the grandparents of Sam, 40, and Holly, 44. Branson referred to her as “the most wonderful mother and grandmum” in his tribute.
Joan remained private while Richard Branson was working very publicly, starting airlines, flying over oceans in hot air balloons, and attempting space travel. She was frequently referred to as the “rock” who kept his feet firmly planted.
Just one week before her passing, Branson shared a picture of himself kissing her head and writing, “Behind every man there is a great woman.”
Friends and family claim Joan was renowned for her straightforward Scottish wit and ability to stifle his ego when required.
Many followers of his post shared their condolences and personal destruction in the comments section. TV host Andrea Minski was one of them when she wrote, “I’m so sorry my friend. I’m extending you a heartfelt hug.
I adored your wife a lot. She always gave me the best mother advice at Necker, and we always talk over champagne. I’m thinking of you and your family, and I’m sending you all my love and strength.
Businesswoman Sara Blakely once remarked, “Oh Richard, I’m sorry. Heartbroken . I want to show my family and you a lot of love. The best is her. the best . You two are so lucky to have each other for so long.
Sir Richard gushed about his wife’s milestone 80th birthday over the summer. He wrote in a statement on social media in July, “Thank you for being by my side throughout it all, both the highs and the lows, and all those quiet, content, and peaceful moments in between.” I cherish these special times with you the most, and I grow in love with you more and more each year.
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