Joan Templeman, Richard Branson's Eternal Partner of 'Virgin Empire', Passes Away at 80

Joan Templeman, the wife of Sir Richard Branson, the British billionaire and founder of the Virgin Group, passed away on the 25th (local time) at the age of 80.

On the 26th, Sir Branson shared the heartbreaking news on his official social media channel, stating, "I am heartbroken to share that my wife and partner of the last 50 years, Joan, has left us."

In his tribute, he expressed, "Joan was the best mother and grandmother our children and grandchildren could wish for," adding, "She was my best friend, my rock, my guide, and my everything. I will love you forever, Joan."

"I will buy an island for you"... A 50-Year Romance

Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1945, Joan Templeman fatefully met Branson while working at an antique shop in Notting Hill, London in the late 1970s. At that time, Branson recalled in a 2020 Virgin blog, "From the moment I first saw Joan, I fell in love, but I sensed that my usual behavior and wealth alone would not win her heart."

The story of their marriage is famous. To win Joan's heart, Branson miraculously negotiated to purchase the Caribbean's Necker Island, which was valued at $6 million (approximately 8 billion KRW), for just $180,000. Ultimately, the couple married on that very Necker Island in 1989, 13 years after their first meeting in 1976. This location later became a family landmark where their daughter Holly and son Sam also held their weddings.

Quiet Support Behind the Glamorous Spotlight

While her husband received worldwide attention for his daring adventures and businesses, such as a hot air balloon trip around the world and space travel (Virgin Galactic), Joan chose to be a thorough 'shadow supporter'.

In a 2016 interview, Branson revealed, "Joan has always been someone who values her privacy and wanted to avoid the public eye." However, she played a crucial role as Branson's mentor and advisor at key turning points for the Virgin Group, including Virgin Records and Virgin Atlantic, and was deeply involved in the establishment of the non-profit foundation Virgin Unite.

Survived by her husband Sir Richard Branson and children Holly and Sam, the couple experienced the pain of losing their first daughter Claire Sarah just four days after her birth, but they overcame their sorrow by relying on each other. It is said that she also showered special love on her five grandchildren: Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Daya, and Bluey.

Meanwhile, just two days before her passing, on the 23rd, Sir Branson posted a photo of himself smiling brightly with Joan, writing, "I really love this photo of Joan," adding to the sorrow of their sudden separation.