Joan Branson, the wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, died Monday. She was 80.

Richard Branson announced her death on Instagram and LinkedIn. No other details were disclosed.

“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” he said. “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.”

Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which includes businesses like Virgin Atlantic airline, space tourism company Virgin Galactic and satellite launcher Virgin Orbit.

In a 2020 blog post, he said he met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England.

“Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realized she wo

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