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Joni Lamb, co-founder of Daystar Television Network, passed away on May 7 at age 65. She died following serious health complications worsened by a back injury. The Christian broadcast pioneer built one of the world’s largest religious networks reaching millions globally.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Date of Death: May 7, 2026, at her home in Bedford, Texas
- Age: 65 years old, born July 19, 1960 in Colleyville, Texas
- Founded Daystar: 1993 with first husband Marcus Lamb, grew from single station to global Christian network
- Health Decline: Suffered serious undisclosed health complications compounded by recent back injury
A Broadcasting Legacy Built on Faith and Service
Joni Lamb co-founded Daystar Television Network with her first husband Marcus Lamb in 1993. The pair transformed their initial ministry into one of the largest Christian broadcasters worldwide. They first launched 45 Alive in Montgomery, Alabama in 1985. The network eventually expanded to include satellite, cable, streaming, and digital platforms reaching nearly every country globally.
The Lamb family became beloved figures in Christian broadcasting. They were particularly recognized for their dedication to racial reconciliation efforts within faith communities. Over nearly four decades, Joni Lamb served as president, executive producer, and on-air host building the ministry’s global reach and influence.
Joni Lamb, Daystar TV co-founder, dies at 65 from health complications
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A Life Marked by Personal Challenges and Faith
The past few years brought significant personal trials for Joni Lamb. Her first husband Marcus Lamb died in November 2021 after contracting COVID-19. Marcus had become known for criticizing vaccines and promoting alternative treatments. His death made national headlines and marked a turning point for the organization.
In 2023, Joni Lamb married Doug Weiss, a sex therapist and Daystar guest speaker, which caused family discord. Her son Jonathan Lamb opposed the marriage, and subsequent disputes arose over network control and family allegations. Jonathan was terminated from Daystar in November 2024.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Last month, Doug Weiss publicly announced that Joni Lamb had suffered a back injury and would be off air temporarily. However, the injury revealed more serious underlying health complications. According to Daystar, she had been privately managing significant medical challenges before the back injury occurred.
| Health Timeline Detail | Information |
| Previous Condition | Serious undisclosed health matters managed privately |
| Recent Trigger | Back injury compounded existing health challenges |
| Medical Support | Dedicated medical team efforts and worldwide prayers |
| Final Days | Condition worsened despite intensive medical care |
Despite dedicated efforts from her medical team and prayers from supporters worldwide, Joni Lamb passed away on May 7. Daystar released a statement saying she had ‘gone home to be with the Lord’ following the complications.
“Joni’s love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning. We grieve her loss. We are grateful for the legacy of faith she leaves behind.”
— Daystar Board of Directors, official statement
Ministry Succession and Network Future
Before her death, Joni Lamb had worked with the Daystar board to establish an executive leadership team to ensure continuity. The network’s flagship program and daily broadcast operations will proceed as scheduled. On-air tributes to her legacy are planned for the coming days.
Daystar’s mission continues uninterrupted under new leadership. The network serves as a reminder of Joni Lamb’s enduring impact on Christian broadcasting. Tributes have poured in from high-profile Christian leaders, including praise for her passion for sharing the Gospel and her dedication to serving audiences globally.
What Does Her Legacy Mean for Christian Broadcasting?
Joni Lamb was a pioneering force in Christian television for over four decades. She helped transform Daystar from a single regional station into a global ministry platform. Her influence extended beyond broadcasting into discussions about racial reconciliation and faith-based leadership in the modern media landscape.
The Daystar Television Network now reaches millions across satellite, cable, streaming, and digital channels worldwide. Her son Jonathan Lamb and other family members survive her along with her current husband Doug Weiss. The family is requesting prayers and privacy during this time. Memorial service information will be shared at an appropriate time.
Sources
- Religion News Service – Comprehensive coverage of Joni Lamb’s death and Daystar network history
- AL.com – Detailed timeline of founding and ministry expansion in Alabama and nationwide
- Christian Post – Information on her legacy and impact on Christian broadcasting
