British businessman Richard Branson announced the death of his wife Joan on Tuesday.
“I am heartbroken to tell you that Joan, my wife and partner of 50 years, has passed away,” the Virgin founder said in a LinkedIn post.
Branson said she was the most amazing mum and grandma our children and grandchildren could ask for, adding: “She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. I love you forever, Joan x.”
However, the reason for her death is still unknown.
A week ago, when Branson shared a photo of them in an Instagram post, he wrote: “Everyone needs a Joan in their life.”
In another post shared on Nov. 12, Bronson said he credits his success — not to mention his marriage — to being a good listener.
In 2020, Branson wrote in a blog post on Virgin that he often makes up his mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting him, and he fell in love with Joan almost the moment he saw her.
“Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realized she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics.
Branson said he owes a lot of the record titles to Joan. “She has always been a constant source of wisdom and played no small part in some of my better life decisions. I actually owe Necker Island to Joan.”
The Virgin founder added: “If I cast my mind back to that day at The Manor 44 years ago, I could never have imagined what the next four decades would bring, with a lifetime of love, wonderful children in Holly and Sam and our wonderful grandchildren. I couldn’t have done it all without Joan and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Meanwhile, several social media users expressed their condolences.
“Sending so much love to you and your family Richard. I’m so sorry,” the user said in an Instagram post.
“I’m so sorry Richard… Heartbroken… Joan… a shining light in this world. She made everyone feel so special… Sending you all so much love at this difficult time,” another user said.
“I’m so sorry my friend.. I’m sending you a hug straight to your soul. I really loved your wife. Every year at Necker she shared the best mom advice with me and I’ll never forget our chats over champagne. I’m thinking of you and your family and sending you all my love and strength,” said Adrina Minski.
