Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Branson Loses 80-year-old Wife

English business magnate Richard Branson has announced the death of his 80-year-old wife, Joan

Branson, co-founded the Virgin Group in 1970, announced Joan’s demise via a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

He wrote: “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.

“Love you forever, Joan x.”

The couple first met in 1976 and married years later in 1989 on Necker Island, the private property he owns in the British Virgin Islands.

Together, they had three kids – Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, the latter who tragically died just four days after she was born.