Richard Branson, the adventurous billionaire and founder of the Virgin Group, is not only famous for his bold business ventures and daredevil lifestyle but also for his long-lasting relationship with his wife. Questions like “Is Richard Branson still married?” or “Who was Richard Branson’s first wife?” often surface online, fueled by curiosity about his personal life. In this article, we explore his marriage, his wife’s background, their enduring bond, and his first marriage—all while addressing common questions tied to the keyword “Richard Branson wife.”
Is Richard Branson Still Married?
Yes, Richard Branson is still married. He has been married to Joan Templeman since 1989, and the two remain happily together after more than three decades. Their marriage is one of the more enduring love stories in the business world, standing strong despite the pressures of fame, business ventures, and Branson’s often dangerous adventures.
The couple met in the 1970s when Templeman was working in an antiques shop in Notting Hill, London. Branson, then a rising entrepreneur with his Virgin Records business, was instantly smitten. Their connection grew over the years, culminating in a wedding on Branson’s private island, Necker Island, in 1989.
Who Is Richard Branson’s “New Wife”?
The phrase “Who is Richard Branson’s new wife?” occasionally trends in search results, but it is based on a misunderstanding. Richard Branson does not have a “new” wife. His wife has always been Joan Templeman since their marriage.
The couple’s relationship has spanned nearly five decades, and Templeman is often described as the steady, grounding force behind Branson’s otherwise high-risk lifestyle. While Branson is the public adventurer—flying hot-air balloons across oceans or venturing into space—Joan has largely remained private, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances.
Is Richard Branson’s Wife 80 Years Old?
Another popular query is whether Joan Templeman is 80 years old. The truth is: she was born on July 6, 1948. That makes her 77 years old as of 2025—not yet 80.
It’s worth noting that Joan Templeman has always maintained a private life, and not much is officially documented about her early years. Most sources, however, agree on her 1948 birth year.
Who Was Richard Branson’s First Wife?
Before Joan Templeman, Richard Branson was married to Kristen Tomassi. They married in 1972 when Branson was in his early 20s and still building his Virgin Records empire. However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1979.
The marriage produced no children, and after the split, Branson eventually met and fell in love with Joan Templeman.
The Love Story of Richard Branson and Joan Templeman
Richard Branson has often spoken about how much Joan means to him. Their love story is filled with gestures both romantic and extravagant. One of the most famous anecdotes is how Branson purchased Necker Island, originally as a way to impress Joan. At the time, the island was on the market for millions of pounds. Branson’s offer was initially low, but eventually, he was able to secure the island—and it later became their wedding venue.
The couple married in 1989 on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean, surrounded by close friends and family. Their union has remained rock solid ever since.
Family and Children
Richard Branson and Joan Templeman had three children together:
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Clare Sarah Branson (born in 1979 but tragically died four days after birth).
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Holly Branson (born in 1981), who now works as a medical doctor and business leader within the Virgin Group.
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Sam Branson (born in 1985), who is involved in filmmaking, philanthropy, and creative ventures.
The Branson children often credit their parents with instilling values of resilience, adventure, and compassion.
Joan Templeman: The Woman Behind the Billionaire
Although she has spent much of her life away from the public spotlight, Joan Templeman has been a steady influence in Branson’s life. Friends and family often describe her as supportive yet grounded, someone who helps balance Branson’s ambitious and sometimes risky lifestyle.
For example, when Richard Branson prepared for his Virgin Galactic spaceflight in 2021, Joan reportedly expressed concern but ultimately stood by him. While she avoids public attention, her role in Branson’s life cannot be overstated.
Why People Search About Richard Branson’s Wife
The frequent searches—“Is Richard Branson still married?”, “Is his wife 80 years old?”, and “Who is his new wife?”—show that Joan Templeman remains an intriguing figure. Unlike Branson, who is constantly in the spotlight, Joan has built a life centered on privacy and family.
Her preference for staying out of the limelight contrasts sharply with Branson’s globe-trotting, risk-taking personality, which only adds to the curiosity surrounding her.
Lessons from Their Marriage
What makes Richard Branson and Joan Templeman’s marriage notable is not just its longevity, but its stability. For a man constantly associated with risk-taking—whether in business, aviation, or space travel—Branson’s personal life has been remarkably steady. Their story reflects the importance of balance: Branson brings energy and daring, while Templeman brings grounding and consistency.
Conclusion
To sum up:
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Yes, Richard Branson is still married—to Joan Templeman, his wife since 1989.
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He does not have a “new” wife; Joan is the only woman he has been married to since his divorce from Kristen Tomassi in 1979.
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Joan Templeman was born in 1948, making her 77 years old, not 80.
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Richard Branson’s first wife was Kristen Tomassi, whom he married in 1972 and divorced in 1979.
Richard Branson’s adventurous life may capture headlines, but behind the scenes, Joan Templeman has been the steadfast partner who has shared his journey for nearly 50 years.
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