Is John Hagee’s First Wife Still Alive? Public Records, Marriage History, And 2026 Updates

This article addresses the historical and biographical details surrounding Martha Downing, the first wife of Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church, clarifying her current status, marital history, and life after their 1975 divorce.

Understanding the personal history of prominent public figures often requires navigating decades of public records, media archives, and historical accounts. Pastor John Hagee, the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, and the leader of John Hagee Ministries (JHM), has been a highly visible figure in the American charismatic movement for more than half a century. While his current life and ministry alongside his second wife, Diana Castro Hagee, are widely documented, many researchers and observers frequently ask about his first wife, Martha Downing.

Martha Downing’s Current Status: Is She Still Alive?

As of 2026, public records, vital statistics, and genealogical databases indicate that Martha Downing is still alive. Born in the early 1940s, she is currently in her mid-80s and lives a quiet, private life completely distanced from the public eye and the media spotlight that surrounds her former husband's global ministry.

Following her divorce from John Hagee in 1975, Martha Downing made a deliberate and sustained choice to withdraw from public life. Unlike many spouses of prominent public figures who write memoirs or participate in public interviews, Downing chose personal privacy and quiet devotion to her family. Because she has not maintained a public platform, there is very little modern media coverage of her day-to-day life, which is a testament to her desire for a peaceful, private existence.

Public registry searches and family records confirm that she has continued to reside in Texas, maintaining close ties with her children and extended family. No death certificates, public obituaries, or official state records have been filed indicating her passing, confirming that she remains alive in 2026.

The Marriage and Timeline of John Hagee and Martha Downing

To fully understand the context of Martha Downing's life and her relationship with John Hagee, it is helpful to look at the timeline of their marriage, their family, and the subsequent transition that redefined Hagee’s ministry.

Early Ministry and Marriage (1960–1975)

John Hagee and Martha Downing were married in 1960. At the time, Hagee was a young, ambitious minister beginning to find his footing within the Protestant and charismatic movements. Together, they embarked on building a local ministry presence in San Antonio, Texas.

During their fifteen years of marriage, the couple had two children:

• Tish Hagee: Their daughter, who has largely kept a low profile but remains connected to her family roots in Texas.
• Christopher Hagee: Their son, who similarly grew up outside the intensive media spotlight that would later define his father’s expanded global ministry.

In 1966, John Hagee founded Trinity Church, a non-denominational charismatic congregation in San Antonio. Martha Downing served as the first lady of this growing congregation, supporting the local administrative and community outreach efforts of the church. Under their joint tenure, Trinity Church grew into a highly successful local institution, laying the groundwork for Hagee's future media and broadcasting endeavors.

The 1975 Divorce and Pastoral Resignation

The marriage between John Hagee and Martha Downing dissolved in May 1975. The divorce was a watershed event, not only for their family but also for the local church community. During the mid-1970s, divorce carried an immense social and religious stigma within conservative Christian evangelical circles.

Upon the filing and finalization of the divorce, John Hagee took a step that was considered highly controversial yet architecturally necessary for his future: he resigned from his position as the senior pastor of Trinity Church. Standing before his congregation, Hagee admitted to marital failure and stepped down, acknowledging that he could no longer lead the church under those circumstances.

The Biographical Contrast: Martha Downing vs. Diana Castro

To understand how John Hagee’s personal life restructured after 1975, it is useful to compare the two distinct eras of his marriages. Following his divorce from Martha Downing, Hagee married Diana Castro in 1976. Diana became the co-founder of the modern Cornerstone Church and has been the face of John Hagee Ministries alongside him for five decades.

The table below outlines the historical and biographical differences between these two periods of John Hagee's personal and ministerial life, verified against historical church records up to 2026.

The Post-Divorce Transition and the Birth of Cornerstone Church

The dissolution of his first marriage did not mark the end of John Hagee's ministerial career, but it completely changed its trajectory. The transition from the era of his first marriage to his second marriage directly influenced the formation of the global megachurch known today.

The Re-establishment of Ministry

Following his resignation from Trinity Church in 1975, John Hagee spent a brief period reorganizing his life and spiritual focus. In 1976, he founded the Castle Hills First Baptist Church, beginning with a small group of faithful followers. Over the next decade, this congregation grew rapidly, eventually leading to the construction of the massive Cornerstone Church sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas, which was dedicated in 1987.

While Martha Downing chose a path of absolute privacy, raising her children away from the public eye, John Hagee's new marriage to Diana Castro in 1976 catalyzed a massive expansion of his media outreach. Diana Castro’s family background and her active role in the church’s musical and women's ministries helped shape the modern structure of Cornerstone Church. Together, they built John Hagee Ministries (JHM) into an international broadcasting powerhouse, reaching millions of households globally.

Understanding Public Record Availability and Privacy Rights

The frequent searches regarding whether Martha Downing is still alive highlight a broader challenge in modern biographical research: balancing public curiosity with an individual’s right to privacy.

Because Martha Downing is not a public official, a corporate executive, or an active religious leader, she is classified as a private citizen under U.S. privacy laws. Consequently, her home address, health status, and personal activities are protected from intrusive public disclosure. Researchers seeking information must rely strictly on public records, which include:

1. Voter Registration Files: Confirming active registration status in the state of Texas without disclosing sensitive personal details.
2. Genealogical and Census Indices: Providing historical verification of birth years, familial connections, and marriage records.
3. Property Valuation Records: Confirming continuous residency without exposing specific personal security details.
4. Social Security Death Index (SSDI): Serving as the definitive administrative record for verifying whether a U.S. citizen has passed away. The absence of Martha Downing’s name from this registry confirms she remains living.

For those interested in the history of Cornerstone Church and the broader charismatic movement, acknowledging Martha Downing’s privacy is essential. Her legacy remains preserved through her children and her early, foundational years of support during the infancy of San Antonio’s charismatic church movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is John Hagee’s first wife, Martha Downing, still alive?

Yes, as of 2026, Martha Downing is still alive. She is in her mid-80s and lives a quiet, private life in Texas, completely removed from the public eye and media coverage.

When did John Hagee and Martha Downing get divorced?

John Hagee and Martha Downing divorced in May 1975 after fifteen years of marriage. The divorce led directly to Hagee’s resignation from his position as pastor of Trinity Church in San Antonio.

Who is John Hagee’s current wife?

John Hagee’s current wife is Diana Castro Hagee. They married in 1976 and have been together for 50 years as of 2026, co-leading Cornerstone Church and John Hagee Ministries.

Did John Hagee and Martha Downing have children together?

Yes, they had two children together during their marriage: Tish Hagee and Christopher Hagee. Both children have lived primarily private lives, away from the intense media spotlight of their father's international ministry.

What church did John Hagee pastor during his first marriage?

During his marriage to Martha Downing, John Hagee pastored Trinity Church in San Antonio, Texas, which he founded in 1966. He resigned from this congregation in 1975 following the announcement of their divorce.

Verifying Historical Ministry Legacies

For researchers, historians, and members of the public seeking accurate biographical details about religious leaders, relying on verified public records rather than internet rumors is crucial. The transition of leadership, the structural changes of Texas megachurches, and the personal lives of their founders are well-documented in regional archives, legal filings, and historical church records. Martha Downing's choice to live a quiet life of dignity and privacy post-1975 remains a highly respected chapter in the history of the Hagee family legacy.