United Kingdom, Dec. 9 -- Sir Richard Branson has thanked well-wishers following the death of his wife Joan Templeman last month.

The 75-year-old Virgin Group founder was left "heartbroken" following the passing of his wife of 36 years in November at the age of 80 and has now posted an emotional message declaring that he and his family "now just want to celebrate Joan and the wonderful life she lived".

Branson's post on Instagram read: "Thank you to everyone who has shared such kind messages about Joan. Our whole family are so touched by the outpouring of love. It brings us great comfort and it means so much to us all...

"We're the kind of family that now just want to celebrate Joan and the wonderful life she lived. I feel so fortunate...