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Sir Richard Branson has paid tribute to his 'beautiful, bright, witty' as he confirmed the news of her death. The Virgin boss shared the heartbreaking news of Joan Templeman's passing on his Instagram page this evening (November 25).

The couple were together for 50 years and married in the British Virgin Islands in 1989. The business magnate wrote: "Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away.

"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"

Born in Glasgow, where her father worked as a ship carpenter to support her and her six siblings, she was described as quite independent at an early age and worked

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