Business magnate Sir Richard Branson announced with “heartbreaking” grief that his wife, Joan Branson, his partner of more than five decades, has died aged 80.
Who was Joan Branson to Richard Branson?
Richard Branson referred to Joan as his “best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.” The couple married in 1989 on Necker Island, Branson’s private Caribbean island retreat, and together they had three children, Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, the latter of whom died just four days after birth.
According to Branson’s Instagram note, Joan was “the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.”
What did Richard Branson’s Family Say?
Grieving their loss, their son Sam Branson called his mother “the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth.”
Branson added he was “so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum.” The loving tributes highlight Joan’s role not just as wife and mother but as the emotional anchor of the family.
What was Joan Branson’s life story?
She was from central Glasgow. Prior to her marriage to Richard Branson, she had worked in a pawnbroker’s shop and then at a bric-a-brac store on Portobello Road in west London.
Their daughter, Holly Branson, has written of how her father first fell for her mother when he “turned up at the shop every day for months, buying stuff he didn’t want or need.” Through the years, Holly described Joan as a stay-at-home mum who always managed to be there with hugs, wise words, and a warm smile.
In an anniversary blog post years ago, Branson wrote: “I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her.” He credited her steady wisdom and guidance as key to many of his life decisions.
What Joan Branson’s death means for Richard Branson?
From music to air travel and space tourism, as one of the UK’s most prominent entrepreneur-founders of Virgin Group, Richard Branson now faces immense personal grief even as he oversees a sprawling global empire.
Of course, the death of Joan would be regarded as an individual and family crisis that is closely personal. It would probably have a deep emotional impact, even if his business responsibilities continue.
