Joan Templeman, Wife of Billionaire Richard Branson, Dies: Timeline of Their Relationship

Their love story, which began with a trip to a Caribbean island, unfolded across decades of triumph, loss, and deep family connection. Here's a look back at their enduring love story.

Joan Templeman, the woman Richard Branson called his "guiding light" and "world," has died after 50 years by his side. On November 25, 2025, the Virgin founder took to Instagram to announce her passing.

"Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away," he wrote. "She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for."

Eventually, it wasn't persistence that swayed her — it was a plane ticket.

The post came just two days after Branson had shared a jubilant throwback image of the couple, with the caption, "Love this photo of Joan." Days earlier, he had uploaded another affectionate photo of them together, writing, "Everyone needs a Joan in their life."

In the final weeks of Templeman's life, Branson's posts painted a picture of enduring love — one built not just on grand gestures, but on decades of companionship, family, and shared adventure.

Here is a look back at the couple's journey — from a bold pursuit in the 1970s to a life shaped by loss, laughter, and legacy.

How a Billionaire Talked His Way into a Love Story

Before the jets, the island, and the empire, Branson was just a determined young man chasing a woman who wasn't especially interested in him, as Templeman was in another relationship when they first met. But that didn't deter him.

"With my own wife, I was known as 'Tagalong,'" he once admitted. "I would end up literally chasing. Finally, hopefully, they'll give in." Eventually, it wasn't persistence that swayed her — it was a plane ticket.

At 27, Branson concocted a plan to invite Templeman on a weekend trip to the Virgin Islands. Pretending to be interested in buying a private island, he called an estate agent, who laid on flights, a helicopter, and accommodation. He then rang Templeman and casually offered her the spare ticket.

"[...] She did come down," Branson recalled. "And we found this beautiful island where we live now." That island was Necker — now one of the most famous private residences in the world. But back then, it was part of a far more personal vision. As they flew over it together, Branson glanced at Templeman and had a realisation:

"Alright, she's going to be the mother of my kids. That's where we're going to live."

From Heartbreak to Home Life

The early years of their relationship were marked by love, loss, and resilience. Their first child was born prematurely and died just four days later — a tragedy that left a lasting mark on the couple. "It was a sad time," Branson said. "But having another child helped us heal."

They went on to welcome two children — Holly and Sam. Branson was in the delivery room for his daughter's birth — though only just. He later admitted that after a Virgin party the night before, Templeman had to physically kick him out of bed to get to the hospital in time.

In later years, their children carved their own paths.

At the time, the couple lived on a houseboat in Little Venice. Templeman and the new baby braved the cold winter wrapped up in the bedroom, while Branson ran Virgin Records from a cramped desk wedged between the bilge pump and the stairs. It wasn't glamorous — but it was theirs. And somehow, between teething and deadlines, they built a life.

Parenthood, Partnership, and Building an Empire

As Branson's business empire grew, so did the family. But amid boardrooms and launches, it was the chaos of parenthood that often made the strongest impression. "Starting a business is a lot like having a baby," he once wrote. "No matter how prepared you are, something unexpected will inevitably happen."

Between time zones and tantrums, Branson credits Templeman with holding the family together. She supported him quietly but unwaveringly — a presence far from the spotlight, but always at the centre of their world.

In later years, their children carved their own paths. Their daughter became a doctor before joining the Virgin leadership team and co-founding the charity Big Change. Their son launched his own production company, creating films focused on social issues.

Joan's death marks the end of a love story that unfolded across continents, industries, and generations.

"Joan and I couldn't be prouder of them both," Branson said, "particularly now that they are such loving, wise, and invested parents themselves."

By 2015, both Holly and Sam had children of their own, and Branson was embracing his new role as "grand-dude." He described family life as the true joy of his existence — more meaningful than any deal he had ever signed. He sweetly stated:

"My family means the world to me, much more so than business. We are lucky to be very close-knit […]. I'm looking forward to spoiling them [his grandchildren] and seeing my family's happiness increase."

An Enduring Legacy

Over five decades, Templeman witnessed the highs and lows of one of the world's most unconventional business careers, and her influence on the Virgin empire — and on Branson himself — was undeniable.

But for Richard Branson, it was never about the scale of the success — it was about who he shared it with. "She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world," he wrote on Instagram. "Love you forever, Joan."

Through it all, she remained a steady presence — warm, sharp, and fiercely loyal. Her death marks the end of a love story that unfolded across continents, industries, and generations.