Sir Richard Branson announced on Instagram that his wife of 50 years, Joan Templeman, has died at age 80.
“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” the 75-year-old Virgin Group founder wrote. “She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum… my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan.” He did not disclose her cause of death.
Branson and Templeman married in 1989 and had three children: Holly, 44, Sam, 40, and Clare Sarah, who died four days after birth in 1979. The couple met at Branson’s Virgin Records shop, and he said in a 2020 blog post that he “fell for Joan from the moment I saw her.” He described the down-to-earth Scottish woman as his constant source of wisdom and support throughout their decades together.
Two years into their relationship, Branson bought Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands for Templeman. They later married there, and both Holly and Sam also held their weddings on the island.
Branson often spoke about his wife’s private nature, noting in a 2016 blog post that she preferred to stay out of the spotlight. In 2019, he shared his thoughts on lasting love, saying marriage takes effort and intention.
Before marrying Templeman, Branson was married to Kristen Tomassi from 1972 to 1979.
