Lakewood Church Co-Founder Dolores Osteen Passes Away at 91

Dolores Osteen, fondly known as “Mama Dodie” and co-founder of the renowned Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, has passed away at the age of 91.

Her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, announced her death in a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

“It is with a heavy heart that Victoria and I, along with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother and grandmother, Dolores ‘Dodie’ Osteen,” the post read.

According to family sources, she died peacefully of natural causes.

Dolores Osteen co-founded Lakewood Church in 1959 alongside her late husband, John Osteen. Together, they built what would grow into one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. Even after her husband’s passing in 1999, Mama Dodie remained a beloved presence at the church, admired for her unwavering faith, warmth, and prayer ministry.

Her passing has sparked tributes from around the world, including from former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who described her as “a remarkable woman of deep faith and resilience.”

“Her legacy will endure not only through the continued impact of Lakewood Church, but also through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and deep faith,” Jonathan said.

Mama Dodie was not only a mother to her family but a spiritual mother to many around the world. Known for her gentle spirit and powerful testimony of healing, she became an inspiration to generations of believers.

As tributes pour in, the Osteen family and the Lakewood Church community mourn the loss of a true pillar of faith. Her legacy of love, prayer, and unshakeable trust in God will continue to live on in the hearts of millions.