Daystar Television co-founder Joni Lamb has died at 65. Read about the cause of death linked to a back injury, her private health battle, her legacy in Christian broadcasting, and her marriage to Doug Weiss.

The world of Christian broadcasting is in mourning following the announcement that Joni Lamb, the influential co-founder and president of the Daystar Television Network, passed away on the morning of May 7, 2026. She was 65 years old.

Her death marks the end of an era for one of the most recognisable voices in global faith-based media. Known for her poise, her deep theological conversations, and her role as a pioneer for women in religious leadership, Joni Lamb leaves behind a ministry that reaches an estimated 110 million households in the United States and hundreds of millions more worldwide.

The Private Battle and the “Compounding” Injury

While Joni Lamb was a constant presence on television screens for decades, her final months were marked by a deeply personal struggle. In an official statement released by Daystar, the ministry revealed that Lamb had been “facing serious health matters head-on and in private” prior to a recent physical setback.

The specific medical situation reached a critical point following a severe back injury sustained in late April. According to the network, this injury acted as a catalyst, compounding her existing health challenges and leading to a medical crisis that escalated far more rapidly than anticipated.

Despite the efforts of a dedicated medical team in Texas and a global wave of prayer from supporters, her condition deteriorated over her final 72 hours. She passed away peacefully at her home in Bedford, surrounded by family.

A Life Defined by the Airwaves

Joni Lamb’s journey into the heart of Christian media began long before the launch of Daystar. Alongside her first husband, the late Marcus Lamb (who passed away in 2021), she built a media empire from the ground up.

Humble Beginnings: The couple started in Montgomery, Alabama, in the mid-1980s with a single station, “45 Alive,” before moving to Dallas to establish the foundation of what would become Daystar in 1993.
The Voice of “Joni”: As the host of her namesake program, Joni Table Talk, she became a household name. The show was celebrated for its willingness to tackle difficult, often controversial topics through the lens of faith, earning several Emmy nominations and widespread respect for its production quality.
A Global Reach: Under her leadership as president, Daystar became one of the few religious networks to maintain a presence in nearly every country on earth, utilizing satellite, cable, and digital streaming to bridge cultural divides.

Reunion and Resilience

The human story of Joni Lamb is one of profound resilience. Following the death of Marcus Lamb in late 2021, Joni stepped into the role of both leader and matriarch, guiding the network through a period of immense grief while ensuring its operational stability.

In June 2023, she found a new chapter of personal happiness when she married Dr. Doug Weiss, a psychologist and frequent guest on the network. While their marriage faced scrutiny from some corners of the public, Joni defended the union with her characteristic grace, stating that she found strength and companionship that allowed her to continue her work with renewed vigor.

In their announcement, the Daystar team noted that they take comfort in the belief that Joni has “graduated to Heaven” and has been “reunited with Marcus,” finally receiving her reward for a life lived in service to her faith.

The Future of Daystar

Joni Lamb is survived by her husband, Doug Weiss, and her three children—Jonathan, Rachel, and Rebecca—all of whom hold significant roles within the ministry. The Daystar Board of Directors confirmed that a succession plan, which Joni herself helped develop, is already in motion to ensure that the network’s mission continues uninterrupted.

As tributes pour in from world leaders, pastors, and viewers alike, the consensus remains clear: Joni Lamb’s legacy is not just in the towers and transmitters she built, but in the countless lives she touched through a screen, offering a message of hope that transcended the digital divide.