Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson this week announced that his longtime wife had died at the age of 80. His initial post did not reveal many details, but included a touching tribute to the woman with whom he’d spent the past five decades. As the Daily Caller reported: He shared a photo of his wife alongside a caption: “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,” he continued. The billionaire entrepreneur, who founded the Virgin Group, did not immediately disclose Joan’s cause of death. Condolences and prayers soon began to flood social media timelines: Richard Branson’s wife Joan has died. pic.twitter.com/VRy50HeJeV — Koen Godderis (@koengodderis) November 25, 2025 Rest in peace to Joan Branson. 80 years of life, love, and legacy. Sending strength to Richard and their family during a painful time — Tminnzy (@tminnzy) November 25, 2025 Richard Branson’s tribute to his late wife and his abiding adoration of her is a testament to them both and how they placed more value in others than themselves. I hope he charts a way through what will be a desperately sad time for himhttps://t.co/rz5oIPraZL — willieeckerslike (@willieckerslike) November 26, 2025 Here’s what the BBC had to add: The couple married on Necker island, owned by Sir Richard, in the Caribbean and had three children, Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, who died after four days. Paying tribute to his mother, Sam Branson described her as “the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth.” “I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum,” he added. E! News also reported on the development: