Richard Branson confirms wife Joan Templeman’s death: Billionaire Virgin founder ‘heartbroken’
Sir Richard Branson has shared the heartbreaking news that his wife of 50 years, Joan Templeman, has died at the age of 80.
The Virgin Group founder posted a touching tribute to Templeman on social media.
“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” he wrote on Instagram.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum and 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”
In a letter published in 2020, Branson said he met his “future wife” at The Manor, a live-in recording studio he had built for Virgin Records.
“I often make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them, and I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her. Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics,” he wrote.
“Far beyond record titles, I owe a lot to Joan.”
Branson said his wife had been a “constant rock” for him and his children.
“Joan has always been a steady source of wisdom and has played no small part in some of my better life decisions,” he said.
“If I cast my mind back to that day at The Manor (when the couple met), I never could have imagined what the next four decades would bring, with a lifetime of love, wonderful children in Holly and Sam and our delightful grandchildren.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do all it without Joan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Her cause of death has not yet been revealed.
