Joan Branson, wife of billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, dies aged 80

Sir Richard Branson has shared the heartbreaking announcement that his wife Joan Branson has died at the age of 80.

The business magnate, 75, shared the devastating news in a post online.

"Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away," the post started.

Watch the video above.

"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."

The post has been flooded with comments from famous friends and followers from around the globe, all sending their condolences during this time.

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"I'm so sorry to hear this 💔 Thinking of you and your family," wrote Aussie Miranda Kerr.

"I'm so sorry Richard… Heartbroken… Joan.. a shining light in this world. She made everyone feel so special.. Sending so much love to you all at this difficult time," commented Natalie Imbruglia.

Christie Brinkley wrote, "Heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones.. May your happy memories comfort you."

"Thinking of you, sir, Richard. She was so thoughtful and kind when I got to spend time with her on Necker Island. What an unimaginable loss brothers. Sending you and the family nothing but love," wrote actor Ian Somerhalder.

The couple married in 1989, tying the knot on Necker Island and they went on to welcome three children together – Holly, Sam and the late Clare Sarah, who died at just four days old after being born three months prematurely.

The couple were also just months away from celebrating their 50th anniversary, in February next year.

Despite Richard's public success, Joan was his biggest supporter on the sidelines and has long been credited as the billionaire's "rock" and a "source of wisdom."

The Virgin tycoon was one to share his love for her publicly, penning several posts about her on his Instagram.

Just a few months ago, Sir Richard gushed over his wife on her milestone 80th birthday.

"Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year," he wrote.

The couple first crossed paths in 1976 at a recording studio and instantly fell in love.

At the time Joan was working in a "bric-a-brac shop" in Westbourne Grove, in London.

He found himself constantly buying things until he began courting her and in a 2020 blog post on Virgin.com, he wrote: "I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her."

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