How long were Richard Branson and Joan Templeman together? Virgin founder's marriage revisted as she passes at 80

Joan Templeman, the wife of English business magnate Richard Branson, has passed away. The news was announced by her on Tuesday, November via an Instagram tribute.

Richard posted a picture of his late wife with the caption:

“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.”

Richard Branson and Joan Templeman tied the knot in 1989 and were together for 50 years before Joan died in November 2025. Their union was blessed with three children, including Holly Branson, Sam Branson, and Clare Sarah Branson, who died when she was four months old.

More details on Richard Branson and Joan Templeman’s relationship

In 2020, Richard Branson shared a blog post on Virgin detailing how he met his wife, Joan Templeman. According to the post, Ruchard met Joan at The Manor and fell in love at first sight.

“I often make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meetings them, and I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her. Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics.”

Richard Branson described how he began talking to her and how their relationship grew from strangers to soul mates.

“One day, I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in. The shop sold old signs and advertisements, which I pretended to the shop owner, Liz, that I was fascinated by. Over the next few weeks, my visits to Joan amassed me an impressive collection of old hand painted tin signs, which advertised anything from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes.”

He continued:

“I owe a lot to Joan. She’s my wife of 30 years, partner of 44 years, the mother of our two wonderful children and my constant rock. Joan has always been a steady source of wisdom and has played no small part in some of my better life decisions.”

And added:

“I never could have imagined what the next four decades would bring, with a lifetime of love, wonderful children in Holly and Sam and our delightful grandchildren. I wouldn’t have been able to do all it without Joan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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