What happened to Joan Branson? How Richard Branson’s wife died at 80
Joan Branson, the long-time spouse of billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, has died at the age of 80. Richard Branson shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, expressing heartbreak at the loss of his wife and life partner of five decades. No cause of death or location was disclosed.
“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” Branson wrote. “She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our children and grandchildren could have wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.”
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Joan, born Joan Templeman in Glasgow on July 6, 1945, was one of six children. Her father worked as a carpenter, and she grew up in a close-knit Scottish family. Early on, she was immersed in Glasgow’s vibrant music scene and worked in a pawnshop, a career that would ultimately lead her to her first husband, Ronnie Leahy, a keyboardist in the Scottish band Stone the Crows. The marriage lasted nearly eight years and produced no children.
Richard Branson often credited Joan for being a grounding influence in both his personal and professional life. Despite his larger-than-life persona and appetite for adventure—from ballooning to space tourism—Joan maintained a low profile, rarely appearing in public or giving interviews. She preferred a quieter life, providing a stabilizing presence in contrast to her husband’s daring exploits.
The couple first met in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England. Richard Branson recounted in his blog how he wooed Joan at an antiques shop in Notting Hill, where she worked. Pretending to browse old signs and memorabilia, he sought excuses to spend time with her. “Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady, and I quickly realised she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics,” Branson recalled. Over weeks of visits, he accumulated an assortment of hand-painted signs, which he later used as a charming excuse to see her.
After more than a decade together, Joan and Richard married in 1989 on Necker Island, the private Caribbean retreat purchased by Branson in the late 1970s. Their wedding was emblematic of Branson’s adventurous spirit—he arrived by helicopter with a box of chocolates in his teeth. Joan, ever pragmatic, reportedly influenced the decision to forgo a prenuptial agreement, believing it “cheapens the relationship.”
The couple had three children together: Holly Branson, a Virgin executive; Sam Branson, a film producer and musician; and Clare Sarah, who tragically died four days after birth. Branson has frequently spoken about the trust and mutual respect that sustained their marriage. In a 2023 interview, he described their relationship as a partnership built on deep trust, allowing both to enjoy life while maintaining a strong bond.
While Richard pursued globe-spanning ventures—from Virgin Atlantic to Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit—Joan remained a private force behind the scenes, offering counsel and stability. Branson often credited her for shaping his decision-making, noting that her thoughtful insights guided some of his most important life and business choices.
Joan Branson’s death marks the end of an era for one of the world’s most renowned business couples. She will be remembered not only as the supportive wife of a billionaire but as a devoted mother, grandmother, and steadfast companion whose influence shaped the life of one of the most daring entrepreneurs of our time.
FAQ
Q: How old was Joan Branson when she passed away?
A: Joan Branson was 80 years old.
Q: Who was Joan Branson married to?
A: She was married to British billionaire Richard Branson.
Q: How long were Joan and Richard Branson married?
A: They were married for 50 years.
Q: Where was Joan Branson born?
A: She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 6, 1945.
Q: Who are Joan Branson’s children?
A: She is survived by Holly Branson and Sam Branson. Their third child, Clare, passed away shortly after birth.
