Rev. George Varughese (Shaji Karackal)
Bedford, Texas — Joni Lamb, co-founder and president of Daystar Television Network, one of the world’s largest Christian television ministries, passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 65 after a private health struggle that was recently complicated by a back injury. She died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
Along with her late husband, Marcus Lamb, Joni launched Daystar in 1993, growing it from a single local station in Dallas-Fort Worth into a global network reaching millions of homes across nearly every country. As host of the popular Joni Table Talk, she delivered authentic conversations on faith, hope, and real-life challenges, earning multiple Emmy nominations and Telly Awards. Her warm, engaging style and unwavering commitment helped spread the Gospel, support Christian causes, and provide encouragement to viewers worldwide for decades.
Following is a statement from Daystar at their website. “ Joni was known for her deep passion for evangelism, worship, and humanitarian outreach. She used the platform of Daystar to amplify voices of faith leaders, promote prayer, and inspire generations to live boldly for Christ. Even after Marcus’s death in 2021, she continued leading the ministry with resilience, expanding its reach through syndication and digital platforms.
After Marcus’s passing, Joni’s life and leadership faced public challenges. In 2023, her remarriage to Dr. Doug Weiss drew scrutiny and contributed to family tensions. Later, a painful public rift with her son Jonathan led to allegations of spiritual abuse, financial concerns, and mishandling of family matters — claims the ministry and Joni firmly denied. These controversies brought sorrow amid her continued service.
Despite the trials, Joni remained steadfast in her faith and dedication to the calling she and Marcus began together. She is survived by her husband Doug Weiss, her children Jonathan, Rachel, and Rebecca, and their families.
