Joni Lamb was an American Christian broadcaster and the co-founder and president of the Daystar Television Network. She gained public attention for building Daystar into one of the world’s largest faith-based television networks and for hosting the long-running talk show Joni Table Talk.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Joni Lamb (born Joni Trammell)
Age: 65 (July 19, 1960 – May 7, 2026)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Christian Broadcaster, Television Executive, Author, Talk Show Host
Known For: Co-founding Daystar Television Network, hosting Joni Table Talk
Marital Status: Married to Dr. Doug Weiss (2023-2026, her death); previously married to Marcus Lamb (1982-2021)
Children: Three (Jonathan, Rachel, Rebecca)
Early Life and Background
Joni Lamb was born as Joni Trammell on July 19, 1960. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where her family attended the Tremont Avenue Church of God. It was at this church that she met Marcus Lamb, a visiting preacher leading a revival. The couple married in 1982 and began traveling together as evangelists before transitioning into television ministry.
Career and Achievements
In 1984, Joni and Marcus Lamb moved to Montgomery, Alabama, and purchased a full-power television station to broadcast Bible teachings. They relocated to Dallas in 1990, and by 1998, they had raised enough funds to launch the Daystar Television Network. The network grew to reach over 2.3 billion homes worldwide across all major cable and satellite carriers.
After Marcus Lamb’s death from COVID-19 complications in 2021, Joni became Daystar’s sole president and CEO. She hosted Joni Table Talk, a weekday talk show that won a National Religious Broadcaster award for Best Television Talk Show in 2004. Under her leadership, Daystar earned multiple accolades, including 10 Telly Awards, 3 Lone Star Emmy Awards, and 5 Daytime Emmy Nominations. She authored a book, Surrender All: Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power and Purpose, published in 2008.
Major Event or Controversy
In late 2024, a family controversy emerged when Joni Lamb’s son, Jonathan Lamb, was fired from Daystar after a 15-month performance review. Jonathan and his wife alleged that their young daughter had been sexually abused by a male relative, claims that Joni Lamb and Daystar publicly denied. A Colleyville Police Department investigation into the allegations was closed in May 2025 due to insufficient evidence, and no charges were filed.
Why She Is in the News
Joni Lamb is in the news following her death on the morning of May 7, 2026, at the age of 65. Daystar announced that she had been privately battling serious health issues that were complicated by a recent back injury, leading to a medical situation “more serious than anyone anticipated”. Prominent televangelist Paula White-Cain paid tribute, calling her “a General for the kingdom, a pioneer, a worldwide evangelist and MY FRIEND”.
Conclusion
Joni Lamb built Daystar Television Network from a single station into a global ministry alongside her late husband. Despite family turmoil in her final years, she remained a dominant and influential voice in Christian broadcasting up until her death. She is survived by her husband Dr. Doug Weiss, her three children, and their families.
