Sir Richard Branson’s wife of 50 years has died aged 80.
Announcing her death on social media, the Virgin founder, 75, said he was “heartbroken to share” the news of Lady Branson’s death.
He said: “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.”
Sir Richard and Lady Branson met in 1976 in the bric-a-brac shop she worked at in Westbourne Grove, London. The business tycoon said he “fell in love” with her at first sight.
They married in 1989 at Branson’s Necker Island, his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands.
Sir Richard and Lady Branson, with their children Holly and Sam, on their wedding day in 1989 on Necker Island
They have two children together, Holly Branson, 44, and Sam Branson, 40. They also had a third child, Clare Sarah, who died four days after birth after being three months premature.
Lady Branson was described as the “most amazing mother” to her children and a “perfect grandmother” to her five grandchildren, Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Deia and Bluey.
Lady Branson, born Joan Templeman in Glasgow in 1948, celebrated her 80th birthday in the summer.
Lady Branson was described as the ‘most amazing mother’ to her children
Paying tribute to her on social media at the time, Sir Richard said: “Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between.
“These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year.”
The couple were due to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in February. In 2016, while celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, Sir Richard penned a love letter to his wife.
The couple met in 1976 and were married for almost 50 years
He said: “I experienced love at first sight upon meeting a blonde-haired, down to earth, Scottish beauty named Joan, who just happened to be making a cup of tea.
“I generally make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them, and Joan won my heart instantly. She was unlike any other woman I had ever met.
“She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was down to earth. She was fun. And she had eyes made of magic.”