Sir Richard Branson is mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Lady Joan Branson, who passed away at the age of 80. They had been married for nearly five decades. In a heartfelt message shared online, Sir Richard expressed his profound sorrow over her passing, referring to her as his “best friend” and “rock.”
Tribute to Lady Joan Branson
Sir Richard announced Joan’s death, stating, “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away.” In his tribute, he highlighted her role as a wonderful mother and grandmother. He wrote, “Love you forever, Joan x.”
Looking Forward to a Milestone
The couple was eagerly anticipating their 50th wedding anniversary, which was set to take place on February 7. Just months before her passing, Lady Joan celebrated her 80th birthday, a milestone that prompted Sir Richard to honor her on social media. He noted, “Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between.”
How They Met
Sir Richard and Joan first crossed paths in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio owned by Virgin Records. They originally met while Joan was working in a bric-a-brac shop in Westbourne Grove, London. In a blog post from ten years ago, Sir Richard fondly recalled, “I fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her.”
A Beautiful Journey
The couple married in 1989 on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, surrounded by their young children, Holly and Sam. Throughout their 40 years together, they welcomed three grandchildren: Artie, Etta, and Eva-Deia.
Legacy of Love
In 2016, commemorating their 40th wedding anniversary, Sir Richard penned a touching letter to Joan. He described their love as immediate, recalling the moment they met when she was making tea. “Joan was unlike any other women I had ever met. She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was fun,” he wrote.
Sir Richard Branson’s tribute to his late wife reflects a heartfelt connection that transcends time. Their enduring love story resonates deeply, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of partnership.
