Daystar founder Joni Lamb has died at 65. Following the announcement, daughter-in-law Suzy Lamb claimed the family was not informed in time to say goodbye, sparking emotional reactions online.
The Christian broadcasting community is mourning the loss of Joni Lamb, co-founder and president of Daystar Television Network, who passed away at the age of 65. The network confirmed her death on Thursday, May 7, 2026, sharing that she had “gone home to be with the Lord.”
According to the official statement released by Daystar, Lamb had been privately battling serious health issues before suffering a recent back injury that worsened her condition. The network explained that the injury led to “a more serious medical situation than anyone had anticipated.”
Joni Lamb played a major role in building Daystar into one of the world’s largest Christian television networks. She co-founded the ministry in 1993 alongside her late husband, Marcus Lamb. Over the years, the network expanded globally through cable television, satellite broadcasting, streaming platforms, and digital media.
Marcus Lamb passed away in 2021, leaving behind a ministry he and Joni had built together for more than three decades. In 2023, Joni remarried Doug Weiss, who later became her co-host on the network.
The official statement from Daystar also requested prayers and privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Emotional Family Reactions Surface Online
Shortly after news of Joni Lamb’s death became public, emotional reactions from family members and commentators began spreading across social media platforms.
Christian podcaster Blaise Foret shared a post expressing shock and sadness over Lamb’s passing. In his message, he wrote that he was praying for Jonathan Lamb, Suzy Lamb, and the rest of the family.
However, Suzy Lamb’s response quickly drew attention online. She claimed that close family members were not informed in time to say goodbye before Joni Lamb’s death.
“Thank you, we weren’t informed of anything. We didn’t receive a call to bid them farewell, even though we were just down the street. We pardon them. In response to the message, Suzy replied, Thank you for praying for Jonathan.
In another emotional message, she added that the family allegedly knew Joni Lamb was dying the previous evening but did not contact Jonathan Lamb.
The comments immediately sparked concern and speculation among supporters of the ministry, with many expressing sympathy for the family and sadness over the reported situation.
Instagram Post Reflects Grief
Suzy Lamb later shared an emotional message on Instagram, writing:
“I have no words right now. One day we will. For now, it’s just a broken heart.”
The heartfelt statement resonated with many followers, who flooded social media with prayers and condolences.
Claims of Longstanding Family Tensions
In a series of posts, Blaise Foret also made claims regarding ongoing tensions within the Lamb family and the Daystar ministry following Joni Lamb’s remarriage after Marcus Lamb’s death.
According to Foret, Jonathan Lamb had reportedly confronted his mother over her relationship with Doug Weiss. He further alleged that Jonathan was later removed from involvement in the ministry because of his stance.
Foret wrote that Jonathan “confronts his mother for marrying a man who left his wife to be with Joni,” adding that he was eventually “ousted” from the ministry founded by his late father.
The podcaster also suggested that leadership within the ministry would remain connected to Joni Lamb’s husband and others currently involved with the organization.
While these claims have generated significant discussion online, Daystar has not publicly responded to the allegations circulating on social media.
Legacy of Joni Lamb and Daystar
Despite the controversy and emotional family reactions following her death, Joni Lamb leaves behind a major legacy in Christian broadcasting.
Through Daystar Television Network, she helped create a platform that reached millions of viewers around the world with Christian programming, worship services, and faith-based content. Under her leadership, the network became a global media presence with viewers across multiple countries.
For many supporters, Joni Lamb was seen as a prominent voice in Christian media and ministry for more than 30 years.
As tributes continue to pour in, many within the Christian community are remembering her impact on faith-based television while also reflecting on the deeply personal family emotions now unfolding publicly.
