(NewsNation) — Virgin founder Richard Branson announced Tuesday that his wife of 50 years, Joan Templeman, has died.

Writing on social media, Branson said he is “heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away.”

He added, “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.”

Branson had posted a photo on Monday, a photo of them together, writing, “’Everyone needs a Joan in their life.”

“Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between,” Branson wrote on social media in July, celebrating his wife’s 80th birthday. “These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year.”

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