Billionaire Richard Branson's wife dies at 80

British billionaire Richard Branson's wife Joan Templeman has died. She was 80.

Branson, the Virgin Group founder, paid his wife an emotional tribute on social media, saying he is "heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away".

He said 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."

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The couple tied the knot in 1989.