Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has announced the death of his wife, Joan Templeman, saying he is “heartbroken”.
The couple, who married in 1989, share two children.
In a statement posted to social media, Branson said Templeman was his “best friend” and “guiding light”.
“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” the 75-year-old wrote.
“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.
“Love you forever, Joan x.”
Templeman, who met Branson while working in a bric-a-brac shop in London’s Westbourne Grove, had long been a central figure in his personal life.
In an article published on the Virgin website for her 70th birthday, Branson recalled he fell in love with her “from the first moment I saw her”, adding he had to “persistently hang around the shop and buy countless objects” – including an old advertising sign – before they began dating.
In that same piece, he described her as a “very private person” who had “always stood by me mentally, emotionally and spiritually”.
Images: Instagram
