Getty

Richard Branson is opening up about the death of his beloved wife ... revealing Joan -- who he'd been with for 50 years -- passed away after suffering a back injury.

The British business tycoon wrote an emotional tribute to Joan on Instagram, saying she was hospitalized in England while recovering from her back problems. Richard said he was recovering in the same hospital from injuries he suffered in a separate bike accident in India. Instagram / @richardbranson

Richard said they laughed about "how typical it was for them to end up on the same floor" of the hospital ... and enjoyed a "lovely lunch" just before her death.

He described Joan as being in "positive spirits and getting stronger," as she "smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face," which made hi

See Full Page