Richard Branson and Lady Joan Branson were happily married for many years, and the tycoon even bought her the famous Necker Island.
Richard Branson has announced the death of his wife Joan.
The Virgin boss, 75, wrote on social media: “Sad to announce that Joan, my wife and partner of 50 years, has passed away. She was the most wonderful mother and grandmother our children and grandchildren could ever wish for.”
“She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you always, Joan X.”
Four months ago he wrote on Facebook: “Happy 80th Birthday to my wonderful, wonderful wife. Thank you for being there for me through the ups and downs and the calm, content and peaceful moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most with you. I love you more every year.”
Just two years after their first meeting, the business tycoon made her an offer for Necker Island as a tribute.
“Hearing about a beautiful island in the British Virgin Islands being sold, I called the people selling it to inquire. We were still in the early days of Virgin Records and I certainly didn’t have the cash to buy it – but try telling that to a fool in love!” He wrote in his blog post.
Joan was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1948 and worked several jobs during her youth, including running an antiques shop. Before marrying Richard, Joan was married to her ex-husband Ronnie Leahy but they later divorced in 1978.
She met Richard at his Virgin Records studio in 1976 and said “I know” 13 years later on Branson-owned Necker Island in the Caribbean Sea. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary ten years ago.
Richard wrote a romantic letter to Joan to commemorate the occasion and recalled “feeling love at first sight” when he saw her – he described her as a “down-to-earth, Scottish beauty who had just happened to be making a cup of tea.”
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