Sir Richard Branson celebrates late wife Joan’s life with their children Sam and Holly on Necker Island in a ‘special service filled with songs, laughter and tears’ – two months on from her death aged 80

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Sir Richard Branson recently honored his late wife, Joan, with a New Year’s service celebrating her life. The service, which took place six weeks after her passing at age 80, was filled with music, joy, and remembrance.

The billionaire shared the sad news of his wife Joan’s passing on November 25th in a post to his Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. They had been married for 36 years.

‘Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,’ he wrote. 

She was an amazing mother and grandmother – everything our children and grandchildren could have asked for. She was also my closest friend, my constant support, and meant the world to me.

Following his wife’s passing, 75-year-old Branson held a memorial event on Necker Island, his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands.

The event was attended by Richard Branson’s two children, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40. Both were born before his marriage to Joan on Necker Island in 1989.

A video circulating on social media shows Richard Branson, seemingly with a hurt arm, walking along the island’s rocky shore with his children and friends. They were all wearing the same white shirts and walking in a line.

The business mogul, known for Virgin, then spoke about his late wife, though the reason for her death hasn’t been made public, as attendees toasted with champagne.

He explained in his post that his family has always valued celebrating people both during their lives and after they pass away, and they did just that for Joan.

We had a wonderful celebration on Necker Island, filled with heartwarming stories, music, laughter, and even a few tears. It was all to celebrate an amazing person who was a beloved partner, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Branson explained that the family decided to remember Joan’s unique spirit under the brightest full moon of a lovely month.

Photos showed the businessman and his son lost in thought as they sat on the wide beach of Necker Island, under the rising moon.

Sam, her son, shared posts about the service, describing it as ‘a very special service for a very special woman.’

In a November post, Branson shared with his Instagram followers that the couple consistently showed their affection for each other and always made an effort to create wonderful memories together.

It really struck me when my friend shared this about his sister, Vanessa. She explained that they’re feeling what she calls ‘uncomplicated grief’ after losing Joan. It’s because they had such a close and loving relationship – they always made time for each other, expressed their feelings, and created so many amazing memories together. It’s comforting to hear they don’t have regrets, just a natural sadness from losing someone so special.

It really reminded me how crucial it is to maintain good relationships with the people in your life, because you never know when you might lose the chance. Life is fleeting.

Losing my mother was, of course, incredibly difficult, and my daughter Holly beautifully captured that initial shock and heartbreak. She described her as truly one-of-a-kind – brilliant, kind, and someone we’ll all deeply miss. It means so much to me to see her remember Mom that way.

Holly shared childhood photos of her mother, Joan, and said her family is feeling supported and loved after receiving many kind messages following Joan’s death.

It’s been hard to find the right words, taking me a couple of weeks to write this, because how can you possibly describe 44 years of unwavering love?

My mum was incredible – she had so much love to give and made everyone around her feel valued. She especially cherished me, Freddie, Sam, Bellie, Dad, and her grandchildren. We knew we were her everything, and I’m so grateful for that.

We all intellectually understand that our parents won’t live forever, but it’s still incredibly difficult when it actually happens. It’s amazing how quickly time starts to feel like it’s helping, though – even in just a couple of weeks, you can begin to feel a small sense of healing.

After the first wave of sadness, I now feel incredibly thankful for my wonderful mother. She was so kind, loving, and always showed us how much she cared.

Mom, you’re incredibly special, and I’m constantly inspired by you. Just the other day, I was shopping with Etta, Joan’s granddaughter, and I let her pick out a little more than I usually would.

Etta noticed what I was doing and said, “You’re acting just like your grandmother!” And that’s precisely what I’m aiming for. I want to embody her qualities every day, striving to be the best wife, mother, and eventually, grandmother I can be.

I’m so grateful for all the kind wishes, cards, flowers, and hugs I’ve received over the past few weeks.

I haven’t been able to respond to all the messages, but I’ve read every single one, and they’ve truly touched me. We’re feeling so much love and support from people all around the world.

Richard Branson started the Virgin Group, a company with many businesses, including Virgin Atlantic airline, the space tourism company Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Orbit, which launches satellites.

He wrote in a 2020 blog post that he first met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio that used to be in Oxfordshire, England.

Branson wrote that Joan was a practical, no-nonsense Scottish woman, and he soon understood she wouldn’t appreciate his typical playful behavior.

Branson remembered that he first met his future wife while she was working at a shop that sold vintage signs and advertisements.

He remembered standing hesitantly outside the shop before finally going in. Over the following weeks, his regular visits to Joan resulted in a wonderful collection of vintage, hand-painted tin signs – they advertised all sorts of things, from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes.

The couple had three children: Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah. Sadly, Clare Sarah passed away shortly after she was born in 1979.

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2026-01-06 20:08