Jennifer Lopez, Christie Brinkley and More Stars React to Richard Branson's Wife's Death at 80: 'What a Loss'

Love and support is pouring in for Sir Richard Branson and his family following the death of his wife Joan Templeman. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Virgin Group co-founder announced that his wife died at 80 years old. 

“Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,” the businessman, 75, wrote on Instagram. “She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever asked for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.”

The couple's famous friends quickly flooded the comments of his post to offer their condolences and fond memories of Joan.

Paris Hilton added, "So sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family so much love."

Actor Ian Somerhalder said, “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, brother. Sending you and the family nothing but love.”

Over the years, the couple hosted a wide array of celebrity guests at their private Caribbean retreat, Necker Island, including Diana, Princess of Wales in 1990, Mariah Carey on an episode of Cribs in 1994, Kate Winslet in 2011 and even Barack and Michelle Obama in 2017. 

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Also in Branson's comment section, CNN political correspondent Van Jones wrote, “She was always so kind to me and everyone. What a loss.”

“I’m so sorry for you and dear Holly and fam 💔sending love,” said Natasha Bedingfield.

Vanessa Branson, sister to the Virgin Group leader, wrote, “A mighty lady indeed…behind every great man…xxx.”

Branson and Templeman wed in 1989 on Necker Island and went on to welcome three children together: Holly, 44, Sam, 40 and Clare Sarah, who died at just 4 days old.