Holly Branson, 44, has shared a deeply moving tribute to her late mother, Joan Branson, on her first Mother’s Day since Joan’s passing in November 2025. Joan, Richard Branson’s wife of 36 years, passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with illness, leaving a massive hole in the hearts of her family and friends. 🌸
Holly, who is the daughter of billionaire business magnate Richard Branson, took to social media on Mother’s Day to remember her mother with a poignant childhood photo. She wrote a heartfelt caption, saying: “Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum I could ever have wished for. I just love that you are still at the front of my mind every minute of every day.” 💖
As this was the first Mother’s Day without Joan, it has undoubtedly been an emotional time for Holly and her brother Sam, 41. In her message, Holly sent love to others grieving the loss of a mother and also urged those lucky enough to still have their mothers with them to cherish the moment: “Sending so much love to everyone whose mum is no longer here in physical presence. And to those lucky enough to still have their mums here, give them a call and tell them how much you love them, or better yet, give them the tightest squeeze.”
Holly has been open about the pain she has felt since losing her mother, recalling how she and her family struggled with the initial shock and pain of Joan’s death. Holly described her mum as “one in a billion, brilliant and kind,” and reflected on how she always made everyone feel special, especially her children, husband, and grandchildren.
In an earlier post following Joan’s death, Holly wrote: “It’s taken a couple of weeks for me to write this, because how do you put 44 years of unconditional love into words? That’s what sums up my amazing mum. She oozed love to everyone in her orbit and made everyone feel special. Especially me and Freddie, Sam and Bellie, Dad, and her precious grandchildren. We were her world and we knew it. I feel so thankful for that.”
Holly also shared how, despite knowing that one day she would lose her parents, the reality of losing Joan still came as a devastating shock. She wrote: “You know that your parents are going to die one day, but somehow your brain never really prepares you for the inevitable. People say time is a healer and in the space of two weeks, I can see that.” 🕊️
A Celebration of Life on Necker Island
To honor Joan’s life, Richard Branson held a celebration of life on Necker Island, the private estate in the British Virgin Islands that he owns. The intimate gathering included Richard, Holly, and Sam, along with close family and friends. They wore matching white shirts and walked in a procession across the island’s rugged coastline, paying tribute to Joan under the brightest moon of the year. 🌙
In a video shared across social media, Richard gave a moving speech, celebrating Joan’s incredible presence and legacy. “My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives, while they are with us and after they are gone. That is exactly what we did for Joan. We held a beautiful celebration on Necker Island. There were stories, songs, laughter, and tears, all in honor of the most incredible partner, mum, grandmother, and friend.”
Richard’s tribute continued, emphasizing the family’s deep gratitude for the life they shared with Joan. “We feel very loved and very held from all over the world,” Holly wrote, acknowledging the overwhelming support they’ve received during this difficult time. 💖
Joan’s legacy continues to inspire, and her absence is deeply felt by her family. As Holly reflects on the love and wisdom her mum gave her, she has vowed to continue living her life in a way that honors Joan’s remarkable spirit.
