Joni Lamb, Co-Founder and President of Daystar Television Network, Dies at 65

On Thursday, May 7, Daystar Television Network announced that Joni Lamb, its co-founder and president, had died at age 65. The network said she had been privately managing serious health matters and that a recent back injury accelerated her decline despite medical care and prayers. Daystar described her passing as “graduated to Heaven” and said she “has gone home to be with the Lord.”

Daystar Television Network President Joni Lamb Has Died at 65Joni Lamb Dies at 65 After Health Battle, Daystar Television Network Announces Emotional TributeJoni Lamb, Influential Christian Leader and Daystar Television Network Co-Founder, Dies at 65Daystar Cofounder and President Joni Lamb Dies at 65 Following Private Health Battle

Joni Lamb co-founded Daystar with Marcus Lamb in 1993; the network launched nationally in 1998 and now reaches viewers in nearly every country, with two billion homes worldwide and 110 million U.S. homes. Marcus died in November 2021 from COVID-19. Joni remarried Dr. Doug Weiss, a psychologist and co-host, in June 2023. She is survived by three children—Jonathan, Rachel and Rebecca—and grandchildren. Jonathan left Daystar in November 2024 after a public dispute over alleged family abuse allegations.

Daystar Cofounder and President Joni Lamb Dies at 65 Following Private Health Battle

Daystar said Lamb “is in the presence of Jesus, reunited with Marcus, and receiving her reward for a beautiful life lived in surrender to the Lord.” The board highlighted her influence on the ministry’s direction, noting her devotion shaped Daystar from its inception. The network affirmed that programming will continue uninterrupted, with an executive team already in place and on-air tributes planned.

Daystar Television Network President Joni Lamb Has Died at 65

The Trinity Foundation reported that Daystar’s ministry jet was used for personal travel, a legal practice requiring a tax payment. In 2024 it also cited allegations that Lamb discouraged reporting a family-member’s alleged sexual abuse; police closed the investigation in May 2025 for lack of evidence. Critics note the network’s platforming of prosperity-gospel preachers.

The Christian Post

Some sources list the death date as May 7, 2026, while others give only May 7 without a year. No source provides the exact medical cause beyond “serious health matters” and the back injury.

Joni Lamb, Daystar TV co-founder, dies at 65 from health complications

• “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Joni Lamb graduated to Heaven this morning.” — Daystar Television Network, Official Statement

Joni Lamb, Influential Christian Leader and Daystar Television Network Co-Founder, Dies at 65

• “We are thankful that we do not grieve as those who have no hope,” — Daystar Television Network, Official Statement

Daystar Television Network President Joni Lamb Has Died at 65

• “I knew her as someone who wasn't perfect, but loved the Lord deeply, her family, and was passionate about the gospel,” — Max Davis, Christian author

The Christian Post

• “Joni’s love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning.” — Daystar Board of Directors

Joni Lamb, Influential Christian Leader and Daystar Television Network Co-Founder, Dies at 65

Daystar said programming will continue as scheduled, with on-air tributes to Lamb in the coming days. The executive leadership team, assembled under her direction, will oversee operations, ensuring the network’s evangelistic mission remains unchanged.

Joni Lamb, Daystar TV co-founder, dies at 65 from health complications