Houston, Texas — Dolores “Dodie” Osteen, co-founder of the globally renowned Lakewood Church and matriarch of the Osteen family, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, made the announcement in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, stating, “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.”
According to family sources, Mrs. Osteen died of natural causes.
Known affectionately as “Mama Dodie,” Mrs. Osteen was widely revered for her unwavering faith, compassion, and decades-long dedication to ministry. She co-founded Lakewood Church in 1959 alongside her late husband, Pastor John Osteen. What began as a small congregation in a feed store blossomed into one of the largest churches in the United States, reaching millions worldwide through broadcasts and in-person worship.
Her passing has drawn condolences from religious leaders and public figures around the world. Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in a statement Thursday night, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He described Mrs. Osteen as “a remarkable woman of deep faith and resilience,” adding that 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 spiritual strength.”
Beyond her contributions to the church, Mrs. Osteen was also an author and speaker who inspired many with her testimony of healing and faith after surviving a life-threatening illness in the early 1980s. Her book, Healed of Cancer, has encouraged generations of believers facing adversity.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the globe as Lakewood Church prepares to honor her life and legacy in the coming days.
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