Joni Lamb, a prominent figure in the Christian broadcasting community and co-founder of the Daystar Television Network, passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 62. Her death marks the end of a deeply impactful life, cherished by family, friends, and viewers alike.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/joni-lamb-family-050826-90b8f9882e1441d48b379c9948c4c55f.jpg)
Joni’s journey began when she married Marcus Lamb in 1982. Over nearly four decades, they shared not only their lives but also a profound partnership in building one of the largest Christian television networks in the world. Tragically, Marcus passed away in November 2021 after contracting COVID-19, a loss that profoundly affected Joni and their three children: Jonathan, Rachel, and Rebecca.
In the wake of Marcus’s passing, Joni took to social media to express her grief, reflecting on their years together and the promise she made to continue living fully. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote, “I’m gonna miss you like crazy but I always promised you I would carry on and I will.” This commitment was a testament to her resilience and love for her late husband.
Less than a year after Marcus’s death, Joni began dating Doug Weiss in mid-2022. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and Joni reported that Doug brought a renewed sense of joy into her life, describing his influence as “refreshing rain saturating the drought in my soul.” Recognising the love and support he offered, she later shared that Marcus would have encouraged her to find happiness again.
On June 10, 2023, Joni married Doug in a ceremony that celebrated their love and commitment to one another. As her husband, Doug supported her professionally as well, co-hosting the flagship broadcast of the Daystar network, “Ministry Now.” Following Marcus’s death, Joni stepped into the role of president of Daystar, continuing the legacy they had built together while also fostering a new partnership with Doug.
Joni’s relationships with both of her husbands were characterised by both personal affection and shared professional ambitions. In her role at Daystar, she championed the importance of faith-based programming, attracting a wide audience and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Christian media.
Family remained at the centre of Joni’s life. She was not only a devoted mother but also a loving grandmother, enjoying the company of her grandchildren. Following her death, tributes poured in from her family members, showcasing the depth of love they shared. Her son Jonathan expressed gratitude for the support received during this difficult time, while his wife Suzy shared her heartbreak, saying, “I have no words right now. One day we will. For now it’s just a broken heart.” Likewise, her daughter Rachel remembered her mother as the “most loving, strong, and faithful woman.”
In the years leading up to her passing, Joni had shared her journey of love and loss with her followers, inspiring many with her resilience and unwavering faith. In her writing for Charisma Magazine, she reflected on the discussions with Marcus about remarrying, affirming his understanding of her needs despite their profound bond.
Joni Lamb’s contributions to Christian broadcasting and her deep commitment to her family have left a lasting legacy. As the Daystar Television Network moves forward, it will carry on her vision and ideals, while her family will continue to treasure the memories of the love she imparted throughout her life.
Doug Weiss confirmed Joni’s passing on Instagram, stating, “She was deeply loved, and the space she leaves behind is impossible to put into words.” This sentiment resonates with all who knew her, reminding them of the profound impact Joni Lamb had on their lives and the broader community.