Richard Branson shares heartbreaking statement that his wife Joan has died

Richard Branson has confirmed that his wife Joan has died aged 80.

Branson said on Tuesday (November 25) that his 'wife and partner for 50 years has passed away'.

The 75-year-old wrote on social media: "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."

It was believed Lady Joan was in good health when she celebrated her 80th birthday earlier this year, with Branson penning on his social media: "Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year."

The Virgin Group founder has issued a statement (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

The pair met at a shop where Joan worked and immediately fell in love, according to Branson.

They got married in 1989 and welcomed three children together - Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, who sadly died at four days after being born three months premature.

As a grand gesture two years into their relationship, Branson purchased Necker Island for her for $180,000

"Upon hearing about a beautiful island in the British Virgin Islands up for sale, I called the people selling it to enquire," he explained in the blog post.

"We were still in the early days of Virgin Records and I definitely did not have the cash to buy it - but try telling that to a fool in love!"

Richard Branson and his wife Joan pictured in 2014 (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

While Branson was often in the public eye, Joan tended to avoid the spotlight.

In a 2016 blog post, the Virgin Group founder revealed why that was the case.

"From the beginning Joan was a very private person, and the over four decades we have been together she has remained so," he said.

"She has always been keen to avoid the public eye, to the point that she has never given an interview, however, that just changed when she did her first ever interview for an upcoming film about my ballooning adventures."