Richard BransonS Wife, Joan, Dies at 79
Richard Branson is mourningโค teh loss โof his wife, Joan โคTempleton Branson, whoโ died on โJanuary 22, 2024, at age 79. The couple shared a 50-year partnership built on mutual support andโ a shared commitment to philanthropy, despite Branson’s global fame and estimatedโ $3.2 billion net worth.
Joan Branson largely shunned the public eye throughout her four decades of marriage, preferring a private life while remaining a crucial force behind her husband’s entrepreneurial success. โขBransonโ frequently acknowledged her as the stabilizing influence behind ventures like Virgin Atlantic,Virgin Galactic,Virgin records,and the nonprofit Virgin Unite. “She is a very privateโ person, who has always stood by me โคmentally, emotionally, and spiritually,”โค Branson wrote in aโข tribute for her 70th birthday. “As the saying goes,behind every man there’sโ a great woman.”
Born in 1945, Joan Branson worked in a variety of roles, including in a household, beforeโฃ meeting Richard Branson.Together, they raised three children. Their first โdaughter,โข Clareโ Sarah, tragicallyโ died justโ four days after being born prematurely. Their surviving children, Holly, 43, and Sam, 40, both currently hold positions within the Virgin association; โขholly serves as chief purposeโค and โvision officer, and โคSam โacts as an informal advisor. Branson is also a grandfather to five: Etta, Artie, and Lola (Holly’s children), and Eva-Deia and Bluey (Sam’s).
Beyond their familyโ life, Richard and Joan Branson were dedicated philanthropists,โข having signed the giving Pledge in 2012, committing to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. In their joint pledge letter, they stated, “stuff really is not what brings happiness. Family,friends,good health,and theโข satisfaction that comes from making a positive difference are what reallyโ matters.”
