Joni Lamb, Daystar TV Co-Founder, Dies at 65 After Health Decline

 

Key Facts

Age at Death

65 years old

Date of Death

May 7, 2026

Network Founded

1993

US Reach

64.7M homes

HQ

Bedford, Texas

Cause

Health complications

BEDFORD, Texas — Joni Lamb, the co-founder and president of Daystar Television Network — one of the largest Christian broadcasters in the United States — died Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was 65 years old. The network confirmed her passing in an official statement, saying she had "gone home to be with the Lord."

Lamb had been privately managing serious health challenges for some time before a recent back injury significantly worsened her condition. Despite the efforts of her medical team and an outpouring of prayers from supporters worldwide, her health deteriorated rapidly in her final days at her Texas home.

"Joni's love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning."

— Daystar Board of Directors, official statement, May 7, 2026

Lamb co-founded Daystar in 1993 alongside her first husband, Marcus Lamb, building it over three decades into a global Christian media powerhouse. The Bedford-based network now reaches an estimated 64.7 million U.S. households — surpassing rival Trinity Broadcasting Network's 64.3 million — and broadcasts to audiences across the world from its International Ministry Center, established in 2003.

Marcus Lamb died in November 2021 from complications related to COVID-19, leaving Joni to lead the network as its sole surviving founder. She later married Doug Weiss, who had announced publicly last month that Joni had suffered a back injury and would be temporarily stepping back from on-air duties.

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A Legacy Built Over Nearly 40 Years

Joni Lamb spent nearly four decades shaping Christian television in America. She was a visible on-air host, a behind-the-scenes executive, and an author — penning Through the Storm, a book reflecting her faith journey through personal trials. The network said Lamb had proactively worked with leadership to build an executive team capable of carrying the ministry forward in her absence.

Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare expressed public condolences on X (formerly Twitter), noting that "Daystar's Christian programming has reached homes and hearts across the globe for many years."

Network's Future Remains Uncertain

With Joni Lamb's passing, Daystar enters a new and uncharted era. Because the network operates as part of the Word of God Fellowship church, it is not required to file IRS Form 990, keeping its financial details private. Leadership transition details have not yet been made public, though the board stressed that Daystar's programming and mission will continue uninterrupted.

The family has requested privacy and prayers during this time of mourning.https://www.profitablecpmratenetwork.com/nidd7p3nee?key=3d3aa8b4cd106bf2ecab84e4294c5f23

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