A Love Story That Built an Empire

Sir Richard Branson recently shared heartbreaking news about the passing of his beloved wife, Joan. She was his partner for half a century. He called her his best friend, his rock, and his guiding light. Joan was more than just a wife to him; she was his partner in every sense. She was also a wonderful mother and grandmother to their kids and grandkids. Joan was known for being a private person. She avoided the public eye and rarely gave interviews. Despite her husband's fame, she stayed out of the spotlight. She was described as the most amazing mother and the perfect grandmother. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1948. Her family had humble beginnings, with her father working as a ship carpenter to support her and her six siblings. Sir Richard and Joan met in 1976 at The Manor, a live-in recording studio for Virgin Records. He claimed to have fallen in love with her at first sight. She was working in a nearby bric-a-brac shop. To win her heart, he would hang around the shop and buy countless objects. He even bought a sign that later inspired the record company's best-selling compilation records. In a 2020 blog post, Sir Richard wrote about how he met Joan. He said he often makes up his mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them. He fell for Joan almost from the moment he saw her. He described her as a beautiful, witty, down-to-earth woman who didn't suffer fools. Sir Richard and Joan were married in 1989 on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. They had two children, Holly and Sam. They also had three grandchildren: Artie, Etta, and Eva-Deia. Joan was a steady source of wisdom and played a significant role in some of Sir Richard's better life decisions. Sir Richard and Joan were looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in a few months. Their love story is a testament to their enduring bond. Joan's passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Her legacy lives on through her family and the impact she had on their lives.