Lady Joan Branson, wife of businessman Richard Branson, dies aged 80

British businessman Sir Richard Branson announced the death of his “wonderful” wife Joan on Wednesday morning.

Joan, who celebrated her 80th birthday in July, married Branson in 1989. The pair had three children and five grandchildren.

The Virgin Group founder posted on Instagram, describing his wife as his “guiding light” and “best friend”.

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“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” he wrote.

“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.”

Richard and Joan Branson were together for 50 years. Credit: Instagram

Branson, aged 75, did not give a cause for her death.

Joan was recently photographed celebrating her birthday with her family in Morocco and at a ‘70s themed party wearing a shining silver sequined jumpsuit.

Last month, Joan was also photographed attending the Ivors Academy Honours with her husband and children.

The couple married at their home on Necker island in the Caribbean and had three children, Holly and Sam, as well as a baby girl named Clare Sarah, who died four days after she was born.

Joan’s son Sam posted his own emotional tribute to his mum, calling her the “kindest” woman on earth.

Joan Branson and husband Richard had three children and five grandchildren together. Credit: Instagram

“Mum, you instantly made everyone in your presence feel like all was well with the world,” he said.

“You were the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth.”

Sam thanked his mother for “everything” she was to his family and everyone “who was blessed by your graceful, loving presence”.

“Words cannot express how much I will miss you and how I wish you were still here to console me about the loss of you. But somehow you are … and that is the magic of you.”

Holly wrote in a blog in 2018 that her mother was raised in the centre of Glasgow.

Joan moved to London and worked at a bric-a-brac store in Portobello Road in west London, where Richard first saw and fell in love with her.