Sir Richard Branson has announced the death of his wife, Joan Branson, at the age of 80, expressing profound heartbreak over the loss of his "best friend" and "guiding light." The couple, married for 50 years, had three children and five grandchildren.

• Joan Branson, aged 80, passed away, leaving her husband Sir Richard Branson "heartbroken."
• The couple was married for 50 years, having tied the knot in 1989 on Necker Island.
• They had three children: Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, who died shortly after birth, and five grandchildren.
• Sir Richard described his wife as his "best friend," his "rock," and his "guiding light," while their son Sam called her "the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman."