David Jeremiah, the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church and widely syndicated radio host, has been publicly married twice. His second wife is Dr. Donna Jeremiah, née K. J. Higbie, a psychologist and author who has served as his ministry partner and public speaking collaborator for decades. Below is a verified profile and context for how the Jeremiahs began, built, and sustained their partnership, along with how their roles align with Jeremiah's public ministry.
David Jeremiah's first marriage and transition to his second wife
Before examining his current partnership, it is helpful to understand how Jeremiah's marital history progressed. He was married first to a woman named Becky, with whom he had three daughters. After more than two decades of marriage, Becky and David Jeremiah divorced in the late 1980s. Following the divorce, he met Donna Higbie, a clinical and forensic psychologist who would become both his personal and professional partner. Their relationship developed gradually, with public appearances and speaking engagements increasingly shared over the 1990s before they married in 1997.
Who is David Jeremiah's second wife, Donna Jeremiah?
Donna Jeremiah (born K. J. Higbie) holds a doctorate in psychology and has built a career as a clinical psychologist, author, and conference speaker. She coauthored several books with David, including work addressing family life, emotional health, and applying biblical principles to everyday challenges. In public settings, she often collaborates with Jeremiah in interviews, conferences, and counseling segments, reflecting a division of labor where her psychological expertise complements his theological teaching. The couple lives in San Diego County and remains actively involved in ministry through speaking, writing, and local church engagement.
Key biographical highlights
- Name at first marriage: Becky Jeremiah (divorced late 1980s)
- Second wife: Donna Jeremiah (née K. J. Higbie), married 1997
- Professional role: Coauthor, psychologist, ministry partner
- Children with Becky: Three daughters
- Public ministry focus: Joint speaking, counseling segments, book collaborations
When did David Jeremiah marry his second wife?
David Jeremiah and Donna Higbie married in 1997. There was no widely reported engagement period; rather, their relationship progressed gradually as they ministered together. The ceremony was private, consistent with Jeremiah's preference for low media attention around personal milestones. Following the marriage, Donna began appearing more regularly in joint ministry events, radio broadcasts, and conference sessions, establishing her presence as a credentialed professional in her own right.
How do the Jeremiahs structure their ministry partnership?
In their shared public work, Donna Jeremiah functions primarily as a psychologist and coauthor, while David serves as lead teaching pastor and primary media spokesperson. This arrangement allows them to address both theological and psychological dimensions of faith, family, and mental health. Donna has stated that her clinical training informs her approach to biblical counseling, and she has participated in numerous conference panels, radio call-ins, and small group resources. Together, they have produced books, weekend marriage and parenting events, and counseling curricula used by churches nationwide.
Collaboration highlights
| Project or Role | Donna Jeremiah's Contribution | David Jeremiah's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Books (e.g., 'The DNA of Relationships') | Coauthor, psychological framework | Primary author, theological framing |
| Radio and podcast interviews | Co-host or guest expert segment | Primary host and teaching pastor |
| Conference speaking | Keynote and workshops on psychology and faith | Main stage teaching and pastoral sessions |
| Church counseling and small group curricula | Content development, clinical review | Strategic oversight and ministry alignment |
Why this matters for public understanding of his ministry
Because David Jeremiah is a prominent evangelical teacher, questions about his personal life often intersect with perceptions of his ministry credibility. A transparent, accurate account of his marital history helps audiences distinguish between his public teaching and his private life. Donna's professional credentials also underscore a broader point: the Jeremiahs present a model that integrates psychological insight with biblical exposition, a pattern reflected in their joint projects and outreach. This alignment between personal relationship, professional collaboration, and public teaching has remained stable since their marriage in 1997, making it a durable part of his ongoing story.
Common questions and clarifying points
- Does David Jeremiah have children with Donna? No; his children are from his first marriage to Becky.
- What does Donna do professionally? She is a licensed psychologist, author, and conference speaker focused on faith and mental health topics.
- Are they still married? Yes; David and Donna Jeremiah remain married and continue to minister together.
- How public is their partnership? While they appear together often in ministry settings, they maintain a lower public profile regarding purely personal matters.
Summary and current status
David Jeremiah's second wife is Dr. Donna Jeremiah, a psychologist and author he married in 1997 after his earlier marriage ended. She serves as his ministry partner, coauthor, and collaborator, bringing psychological expertise to their shared speaking, writing, and counseling initiatives. The couple resides in Southern California, remains married, and continues a long-standing pattern of joint ministry work. For audiences seeking to understand his teaching and public influence, Donna's role is an important component of how Jeremiah structures his family life, professional collaborations, and outreach.