Megachurch pastor Joel Osteen's mom, Dolores 'Dodie' Osteen, dies at 91
The Lakewood Church co-founder died "of natural causes, peacefully at her home,' the Houston-based pastor announced in a social media post on Wednesday, July 30.
"She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and a faithful servant of God," Osteen, also a Christian author, wrote in the X post. "Known as 'Mama Dodie' to the entire Lakewood family, together, we celebrate her amazing life and lasting legacy."
USA TODAY has reached out to Lakewood Church.
Who is Joel Osteen?
Joel Osteen, 52, is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, one of the largest churches in the U.S.
The evangelist took over the church after his father and the church's founder, John Osteen, died in 1999. From there, the church skyrocketed in attendance from about 5,000 people per week to as of recently nearly 45,000 weekly attendees.
His wife, Victoria Osteen, serves as co-pastor.
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. She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and a faithful… pic.twitter.com/eZmImxzPaI
'His faith became sight': Megachurch pastor John MacArthur dead
Church leaders across the world react to 'Dodie' Osteen's death
Commenting on the post, Brian Houston, founding Pentecostal pastor of Hillsong Church in Australia, wrote, "Sad for us to hear but glorious for her. Your mom Miss Dodie was a giant in the faith."
"What a legacy she left. Beautiful woman of God in every way," non-denominational greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area-based 7 Hills Church Pastor Marcus Mecum also commented on X.
Baton Rouge Bethany Church Pastor Jonathan Stockstill wrote, "What a woman of faith. All our love to you, Joel, and the whole Osteen family. We are grieving her absence and yet celebrating the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealun
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