Richard Branson Announces Wife Joan's Death at 80

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, announced on Tuesday the death of his wife of 50 years, Joan Templeman Branson, who was 80. In a poignant social media post, the 75-year-old billionaire expressed profound grief, describing her as his best friend, rock, guiding light and world.

Branson shared the news alongside a photograph of the couple, writing, "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." The announcement came just a day after he posted another image of Joan on Instagram, simply captioning it "Love this photo of Joan," suggesting he anticipated her passing.

The couple first met in 1976 at a Virgin Records recording studio, where Branson later recalled experiencing love at first sight upon seeing the down-to-earth Scottish woman making a cup of tea. Born Joan Templeman in Glasgow in 1948 to a working-class family, she had held various jobs in her early years, including running an antique shop in London's Westbourne Grove. She was...