Joni Lamb, the influential Christian broadcaster who helped build one of the world’s largest faith-based television networks, has died at 65.

Lamb passed away on Thursday following ongoing health complications, according to a statement released by the board of directors for Daystar Television Network.

“Joni’s love for the Lord and for the people we serve shaped this ministry from the beginning,” the board said. “We grieve her loss. We are grateful for the legacy of faith she leaves behind.”

The ministry revealed that Lamb had recently suffered a back injury, but said she had also been privately battling serious health issues before the accident occurred.

“Prior to her recent back injury, Lamb had been dealing with serious health matters that she chose to face head-on and in private,” the statement explained. “The back injury compounded these challenges and led to a more serious medical situation than anyone had anticipated.”

Despite medical treatment and prayers from supporters around the world, Daystar said her condition worsened in recent days.

Lamb co-founded Daystar in 1993 alongside her late husband, Marcus Lamb. Together, the couple transformed the network into a global Christian media platform reaching millions of viewers through television and digital programming. The ministry became known for its emphasis on evangelism, prayer, and racial reconciliation initiatives.

Marcus Lamb died in 2021 after contracting COVID-19, a loss that drew national attention due to his outspoken criticism of vaccines during the pandemic and his promotion of alternative treatments.

In recent years, Daystar and the Lamb family faced a series of public controversies that created division within the ministry and the family itself. In 2023, Joni Lamb married Doug Weiss, a counselor and frequent Daystar guest. The marriage reportedly caused tension with her son, Jonathan Lamb, who publicly opposed the union on biblical grounds.

The conflict later escalated into allegations involving spiritual abuse, financial misconduct, and claims that Joni Lamb covered up abuse allegations involving a family member. Lamb repeatedly denied the accusations, and Daystar defended her against what it described as “false allegations.”

“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,” the ministry said in a previous statement.

A Texas police department ultimately closed its investigation into the abuse claims in 2025, citing insufficient evidence to pursue charges.

The disputes led to Jonathan Lamb’s firing from the network in late 2024 after what Joni Lamb described as a “15-month review” of his performance. She also accused him of orchestrating “a smear campaign” against the ministry.

Despite the controversies, many Christian leaders and viewers remembered Lamb for her passion for sharing the Gospel through media ministry. Following news of her death, tributes quickly poured in online from pastors, ministry leaders, and longtime friends.

“I’m heartbroken at the news of the passing of my friend, Joni Lamb,” Travis Johnson wrote on X. “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.”

Daystar leaders said Lamb had already established an executive leadership team that would continue overseeing the ministry. The network also confirmed that programming will continue as scheduled, with special on-air tributes planned in the coming days.