(RNS) — Joni Lamb, the co-founder of Daystar Television Network, a prominent Christian television ministry, died Thursday (May 7). She was 65.
“Joni’s love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning,” the Daystar board of directors said in a statement. “We grieve her loss. We are grateful for the legacy of faith she leaves behind.”
Last month, Doug Weiss, Lamb’s husband, announced that Lamb had suffered a back injury and would be off the air for a while.
“Prior to her recent back injury, Lamb had been dealing with serious health matters that she chose to face head-on and in private,” said the statement from Daystar about Lamb’s passing. “The back injury compounded these challenges and led to a more serious medical situation than anyone had anticipated. Despite the dedicated efforts of her medical team and the prayers of so many around the world, her condition worsened in the last days.”
Lamb founded Daystar in 1993 with her first husband, Marcus Lamb. The two became beloved figures in Christian broadcasting and were known for their work on racial reconciliation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcus Lamb became a fierce critic of vaccines and pushed for alternative treatments such as hydroxychloroquine. He died in November 2021 after contracting COVID-19, and his death made national headlines.
Joni and Marcus Lamb. (Photo courtesy of Daystar)
In 2020, the ministry used a $3.9 million Paycheck Protection Program loan to buy a private airplane, which the family used for vacations, according to Inside Edition. That loan was reportedly paid back after Inside Edition began asking questions about it.
In 2023, Joni Lamb married Weiss, a sex therapist and Daystar guest, causing a rift in the family as her son, Jonathan, opposed the marriage, arguing that Weiss had not divorced his previous wife on biblical grounds.
About a year later, Jonathan and Suzy Lamb, his wife, accused Joni Lamb of covering up abuse against their 5-year-old daughter, an allegation Lamb repeatedly denied. The couple also accused Lamb of spiritual abuse and financial misconduct.
“Daystar does not support these false allegations and is deeply saddened by Jonathan’s refusal to participate in and work toward peaceful reconciliation and relational restoration, for which Daystar and other Lamb family members had hoped,” the organization told RNS at the time.
The allegations were part of a larger dispute between Jonathan Lamb and Joni Lamb over control of the network after Marcus Lamb died. Jonathan Lamb was fired from the network in November 2024.
Joni Lamb speaks during a faith summit hosted by the National Faith Advisory Board. (Video screen grab)
In a statement, Joni Lamb said the decision to terminate her son’s employment followed a 15-month review of his performance. She also accused him of “fabricating a smear campaign.”
A Texas police department declined to file charges and closed its investigation into the abuse allegations in May 2025, citing “insufficient evidence.”
“Although saddened by those who were led to believe the gossip, rumors and false allegations promulgated on social media, Daystar appreciates the love and support it has received from countless viewers and ministry partners and will continue in its mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world,” Daystar leaders said in a statement posted to X last year.
A number of high-profile Christian preachers, including Joyce Meyer, distanced themselves from Daystar after the allegations of abuse became public.
After news of Lamb’s death was announced, friends and guests of the program began posting tributes on social media.
“I’m heartbroken at the news of the passing of my friend, Joni Lamb. Her life, love for Jesus, passion to share the Gospel, and her friendship has meant so much to me and to people around the world,” Pastor Travis Johnson of Pathway Church in Alabama posted on X.
In a statement, the network said that Lamb had put an executive leadership team in place, which will continue to run the ministry. “Programming will proceed as scheduled, with on-air tributes to follow in the coming days.”
