Joni Lamb, Co-Founder of Daystar Television Network, Dies at 65, Leaving a Billion-Home Legacy

Joni Lamb, Co-Founder of Daystar Television Network, Passes Away at 65

Joni Lamb, the influential co-founder and president of the Daystar Television Network, a global Christian broadcasting powerhouse, passed away on Thursday at the age of 65. Lamb, who alongside her late husband Marcus Lamb transformed a single Dallas-area station into a network reaching billions, had been battling serious health complications exacerbated by a recent back injury. A specific cause of death was not released.

A Legacy of Global Reach and Vision

Founded in 1993 with a modest single station in the Dallas area, the Daystar Television Network rapidly expanded under the visionary guidance of Joni and Marcus Lamb. Five years after its inception, in 1998, Joni Lamb launched her signature daily women’s program, “Joni Table Talk,” becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers.

Today, the Bedford, Texas-based network broadcasts in over 200 countries worldwide, reaching an astounding 2.3 billion homes. It has featured programming from prominent evangelists such as Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes, cementing its position as one of the largest Christian television networks globally.

Deep Roots in Faith and On-Air Ministry

Daystar’s ministry is deeply rooted in Pentecostalism, a Christian tradition characterized by its emphasis on spirit-filled worship, belief in contemporary miracles, and spiritual warfare. Beyond her executive role, Joni Lamb remained actively involved on-air, continuing to host “Joni Table Talk” where she engaged with daily issues, and later co-hosting “Ministry Now” with her second husband, Doug Weiss.

Personal Challenges and Enduring Resilience

Lamb’s personal life also saw public challenges and resilience. In 2010, she stood by her first husband, Marcus Lamb, when he publicly confessed to an affair and revealed an extortion attempt. Describing herself as “devastated” upon learning of the infidelity, she stated that the Holy Spirit told her he was “worth fighting for,” a sentiment that resonated with many viewers. The couple asserted they had healed their marriage, aiming to keep the matter private, with Joni Lamb emphasizing the importance of using pain to help others. Marcus Lamb passed away in 2021 at the age of 64. Two years later, Joni Lamb married Doug Weiss.

Daystar’s Future: A Vision Carried Forward

In a statement, Daystar’s board of directors acknowledged Joni Lamb’s profound impact: “Joni’s love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning.” The network confirmed that its ministry will continue, noting that Lamb had proactively ensured a strong leadership team was in place to carry forward her vision.