Days before Daystar icon’s tragic death, Jonny Lamb had a sweet message for Trump: “We respect life…”
Joni Lamb, Co-Founder and President daystar television networkThe Ministry of Health said on Thursday that he had died at the age of 65. The network further added that Lamb had been dealing with serious health issues before a recent back injury worsened his condition. However, the official cause of death was not immediately announced. As tributes poured in, Lamb’s sweet message to President Donald Trump emerged.
A heartfelt announcement from Daystar
“Joni’s love for the Lord and the people we serve has shaped this ministry from the beginning,” Daystar’s board of directors said in a statement. “We are saddened by her passing. We are grateful for the legacy of faith she leaves behind.”
Read more: Jonny Lamb dies: Last news surfaces in ‘back injury’ update; ‘The battle we face…’
Health problems and back injuries
The Department of Health shared new details about Lamb’s health after announcing her death, saying she intentionally kept many of her medical issues private.
“Prior to her recent back injury, Lamb had been dealing with serious health issues, which she chose to confront privately,” the statement read. “The back injury compounded these challenges and resulted in a more serious medical condition than anyone anticipated. Despite the efforts of her medical team and the prayers of many around the world, her condition worsened in her final days.”
Last month, Lamb’s husband, Doug Weiss, announced that Lamb would temporarily retire from broadcasting after suffering a back injury.
Read more: Joni Lamb Family: Who are her husbands Doug Weiss and Marcus Lamb? It’s all about their kids
Jonny Lamb’s message to Trump
Just weeks before her death, on January 30, Lamb posted information about Daystar’s contributions to Trump’s account.
“I’m excited to announce that @Daystar will provide matching contributions of $1,000 from the federal government to 503A @TrumpAccounts established for each eligible employee’s newborn baby. This is our way of taking action on what we believe – that life is worth celebrating, protecting and investing in from the moment it enters this world,” she wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
How Daystar became a global network
Lamb founded Daystar in 1993 with her first husband, Marcus Lamb. What began as a small Christian television station has grown through cable, satellite, streaming and digital platforms into one of the largest faith-based television networks in the world.
Over the years, Lamb became one of the most recognized figures in Christian radio, hosting shows, interviewing ministry leaders and helping to shape faith-based television programming around the world.
The network also confirmed that Lamb had worked with leadership on a succession plan before his death.
Daystar said in a statement that an executive leadership team is in place and “programming will proceed as planned, with tributes airing in the coming days.”
Death of Marcus Lamb and subsequent family tensions
Marcus Lamb died in 2021 after contracting COVID-19. He has become widely known during the pandemic for criticizing vaccines and supporting alternative treatments including hydroxychloroquine.
In 2023, Joni Lamb married Weiss, a move that sparked tension within the family. Her son, Jonathan Lamb, spoke out against the marriage and later became embroiled in the wider controversy over Daystar’s future leadership.
In 2024, family conflict escalated after Jonathan and his wife accused Joni Lamb of covering up abuse allegations involving their daughter. Lamb has repeatedly denied the accusations.
“Daystar does not support these false accusations and is deeply saddened by Jonathan’s refusal to engage and work toward the peaceful reconciliation and restoration of relationships that Daystar and other members of the Lamb family hope for,” the organization previously said in a statement.
Jonathan Lamb was later fired. At the time, Joni Lamb said the decision followed a lengthy review process and accused him of “fabricating a smear campaign.”
