Richard Branson and Late Wife Joan’s Strong Family Bond: Daughter Holly Thanks Them for Support During Gender Journey

Richard Branson announced the heartbreaking death of his beloved wife of 50 years Joan on Tuesday.

The Virgin tycoon, 75, and his wife were wed in 1989 when their two children, Holly and Sam, were eight and four. The couple now have three grandchildren, Holly’s children Etta, Artie and Lola, and Sam’s kids Eva-Deia and Bluey Rafe.

Announcing her death aged 80 on social media, the Virgin boss wrote: ‘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 and Joan shared a strong bond with their children, with daughter Holly, 44, praising her parents earlier this year for allowing her to identify as a boy throughout her childhood.

She described their open-mindedness and unconditional love as ’empowering’.

Holly shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her mother Joan to mark her 80th birthday in July, recalling how she lived as a boy from the age of four until nearly eleven – and how her parents never once made her feel ‘strange’.

Posting a throwback photo of her mum, Holly wrote: ‘The last few weeks have been filled with so much love and magical family moments. 

‘As a family, we love to be surrounded by people (strangers and friends alike), great food, good music, bad dancing, and lots of laughter. 

‘My heart is full after an early celebration of [brother] Sam’s 40th birthday onboard… quickly followed by wonderful mum’s 80th birthday.’

She continued: ‘My mum hates to be in the spotlight, but I’d love to share some of the most precious lessons I’ve learnt from her.

‘The most amazing quality my mum has is the ability to love unconditionally… Having a daughter who decided from the age of four that she wanted to be a boy must have been difficult to navigate back then. 

‘Mum (and Dad) never made me feel like I was strange in any way, and I am so thankful to them both for this.’

Holly, who has three children with husband Freddie Andrews, added: ‘Mum has always been so open-minded, empathetic and kind. 

‘Truly letting me and Sam be totally free to become the people we wanted to be… I’ve realised that unconditional love and support also comes with a large helping of patience, thank you for teaching me that, Mum.’

She has also previously spoken of her ‘difficult and distressing’ fertility journey, revealing she endured two miscarriages and two failed IVF attempts before considering adoption and surrogacy.

Meanwhile their son Sam lives in a farmhouse with his wife Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and two children, on an estate in Oxfordshire originally owned by his father.

He was accused of being a nepo baby as he took to ITV’s Lorraine show to launch his music career two years ago. 

Sam, who counts Ed Sheeran as a friend and fan, appeared on the show today to celebrate the release of his new song. 

Sam, 40, said he had finally ‘plucked up the courage’ to pursue his dream of becoming a pop star after 30 years.

But the former adventurer and filmmaker was slammed by viewers after appearing on the show amid accusations of nepotism as he tried to win fans over with a competition to stay on his private island in Bali if they pre-ordered his album. 

Sam’s latest career has received the strong backing of his father Sir Richard – who founded Virgin Records.

The tycoon posted a picture of his son playing the guitar on the family’s private island, saying: ‘I’m so proud of Sam.’ 

As a youngster, Sam grew up with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Roger Taylor of Queen as family friends.

He even has Duran Duran guitarist Dom Brown playing on his album after meeting him at the house of a mutual friend where he was jamming with Simon Le Bon and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd.