Joan Branson, wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, has died at the age of 80, Virgin Group confirmed Monday. Her death marks a meaningful loss for the Branson family and those who knew her as a grounded and independant spirit amidst her husband’s high-profile ventures.
Joan Branson was a constant presence in Richard Branson’s life for nearly five decades, providing a stabilizing force as he built the Virgin brand into a global empire spanning airlines, space travel, and music. While Richard Branson often occupied the spotlight,Joan remained largely private,known for her down-to-earth nature and passion for collecting antique signs.
Richard branson first met Joan Templeton in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England, as he recounted in a 2020 blog post. ”Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics,” he wrote. She owned an antique shop specializing in old signs and advertisements,and Branson became a frequent visitor,amassing a collection of vintage tin signs advertising products like Hovis bread and Woodbine cigarettes during his courtship.
The couple married and had three children: Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah.Tragically, their daughter Clare Sarah died shortly after birth in 1979.
Throughout richard branson’s career, which includes founding Virgin Atlantic airline, space tourism company Virgin Galactic, and satellite launcher Virgin Orbit, Joan remained a steadfast partner.details regarding the cause of death and funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
