Richard Branson mourns "most wonderful" wife Joan
The Virgin Group founder says his wife was his "best friend" and "guiding light".
Sir Richard Branson has announced the passing of his wife, Joan. The 75-year-old billionaire shared the devastating news on Instagram.
"Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away," he wrote.
Branson, who co-founded the Virgin Group, says he will love Joan forever.
"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."
Branson did not share the 80-year-old's cause of death. The couple tied the knot in 1989 after welcoming two children, Holly and Sam.
Their first child, Clare Sarah, died four days after her birth.
Branson and Joan are also grandparents to five grandchildren. Holly has three children, Artie, Lola and Etta, while Sam is dad to Bluey Rafe, and Eva-Deia
The British billionaire has always spoken fondly of his wife and often shared pictures of her on social media.
On November 16, he captioned a picture of himself kissing her on the cheek: "Everyone needs a Joan in their life."
Branson shared the secret to his business and marriage in a separate post shared earlier this month.
"I credit a good deal of my success – not to mention my marriage – to being a good listener. When I’m sitting in a business meeting and someone doesn’t respond to a suggestion I’ve made, I know immediately they disagree," he wrote.
"I know this because I use this tactic myself! When it happens, I say, ‘I can tell by the fact you haven’t responded that you see it differently. What do you think?’"
He continued, " Too many people presume they are right, and they don’t listen to other points of view. They speak categorically and then close their ears."
"This is the most disadvantageous thing you can do for yourself. Some leaders and entrepreneurs surround themselves with brilliant people and then ignore them. Most people who behave in this autocratic way get their comeuppance. You need to be a genius, like Steve Jobs, for that to work. I know I am not better than anyone else, and so I take a different road!"
Hundreds of people sent messages of condolences to Branson and his daughters.
"Thinking of you, sir, Richard. She was so thoughtful and kind when I got to spend time with her on Necker Island," actor Ian Somerhalder commented.
"What an unimaginable loss, brothers. Sending you and the family nothing but love." Paris Hilton wrote: "So sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family so much love."
Miranda Kerr added: "I’m so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family."
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Image credit: Instagram/@richardbranson