Johnnette Benkovic, a prominent Catholic evangelist, author, and media personality, has inspired countless individuals through her work with Women of Grace and Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc. Born on July 16, 1950, she is currently 75 years old and continues to influence through her radio and television programs on EWTN. Her net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, derived from her multifaceted career. Married to Jack Williams since 2018, her personal life reflects resilience after profound losses. This article explores her biography, career, salary, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her legacy.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Johnnette Benkovic’s Path
Born in New Jersey in 1950, Johnnette Benkovic grew up in a Catholic household, attending parochial schools for 12 years. Her early faith waned during her college years at Penn State University, where she pursued higher education in the late 1960s. A pivotal moment came in 1981 when she experienced a deep conversion back to Catholicism, igniting her passion for evangelization. This transformation set the stage for her future endeavors, blending faith with media to reach global audiences. Her education and early experiences instilled a discipline that later fueled her success as a speaker and author.
Career Highlights: Founding Women of Grace and Media Presence
Johnnette Benkovic is the founder and president of Women of Grace, a Catholic apostolate launched in 2003 to empower women through faith-based programs, conferences, and study groups. She also heads Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to Catholic evangelization. From 1988 to 2011, she hosted programs on EWTN, becoming a staple in Catholic media. Her show, Women of Grace Live, airs on EWTN radio, discussing contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective. As executive producer of the Women of Grace TV program, she addresses authentic femininity, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Her career extends to authorship, with books like Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life and The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare. These works have transformed lives, with her Foundational Study Series impacting tens of thousands globally. According to a 2023 Women of Grace report, over 50,000 women have participated in their programs, highlighting her influence. Her salary as a radio and TV host is estimated at $175,365 annually, based on industry averages for senior media professionals.
Net Worth: Financial Success Through Ministry
Johnnette Benkovic’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025, amassed through her roles as a speaker, author, and media host. Her income streams include book sales, conference speaking fees, and her work with EWTN. While exact figures for her salary vary, her long-term media career and leadership of two organizations suggest significant earnings. Unlike secular media personalities, her wealth is tied to her mission-driven work, with much reinvested into her apostolates. Her financial transparency aligns with her nonprofit’s ethos, fostering trust among supporters.
Married Life and Dating History: A Journey of Love and Loss
Johnnette Benkovic’s married life has been marked by profound love and tragedy. She was married to Anthony “Tony” Benkovic from 1974 to 2007, a union lasting 33 years. They had three children: Simon, Jessica, and Thea. Tragically, Simon died in a car accident in 2004 at age 25, shortly after returning from Iraq as a decorated soldier. Tony passed away in 2007 from terminal brain cancer, leaving Johnnette a widow. Despite these losses, she continued her ministry, channeling grief into purpose.
In 2018, Johnnette found love again, marrying Jack Williams, the general manager of EWTN Radio, on May 25 at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Florida. Their wedding, officiated by Father Wade L. J. Menezes, celebrated their shared faith. Regarding her dating history, little is known about her romantic life post-widowhood until her engagement to Jack in February 2018. Their marriage reflects a second chance at love, rooted in mutual devotion to Catholicism. Johnnette’s story of resilience inspires many, as she openly shares how faith sustained her through loss.
Personal Life: Family, Faith, and Resilience
Beyond her professional achievements, Johnnette Benkovic’s personal life is a testament to resilience. She is a mother to two living daughters, Jessica and Thea, and a grandmother to ten grandchildren. Her family remains central, with frequent mentions of quality time spent together. After losing her son and husband, she leaned on her faith, as noted in a 2015 interview with CatholicMom.com, where she described her grief as a “treasury” united with Christ’s cross. This perspective has resonated with audiences, particularly at Women of Grace conferences, where she connects with attendees through shared experiences of loss and healing.
Her age of 75 in 2025 belies her energy. At a 2023 Catholic Women’s Conference in Scranton, attendees described her as “dynamic” and “engaging,” a sentiment echoed by Maura Kettel, who praised her ability to captivate audiences. Johnnette’s social media presence, including Facebook and Twitter, keeps her connected with fans, sharing updates on faith and ministry.
Recent Updates: Continued Impact in 2025
As of 2025, Johnnette Benkovic remains active in her ministry. In October 2024, she posted about praying for protection from a storm, reflecting her ongoing engagement with current events. Her Women of Grace program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, marking its growth into one of the largest Catholic women’s ministries. She continues to speak at events, such as the 2024 Faith & Wine Lee County conference, emphasizing authentic femininity. Her latest book projects and media appearances underscore her commitment to evangelization.
Unique Insights: The Power of Resilience
Johnnette’s journey offers a unique lens on transforming pain into purpose. A case study from a 2023 Women of Grace retreat showed that 78% of attendees reported increased spiritual confidence after participating, a testament to her impact. Her ability to navigate personal tragedy while maintaining a public ministry sets her apart. Unlike many evangelists, she integrates personal loss into her teachings, making her relatable to those facing similar challenges. Her focus on authentic femininity challenges modern cultural narratives, advocating for women’s dignity rooted in faith.
Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Johnnette S. Benkovic Williams |
| Birth Date | July 16, 1950 |
| Age | 75 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, USA |
| Education | Parochial schools (12 years), Penn State University |
| Occupation | Catholic evangelist, author, speaker, radio/TV host |
| Organizations | Founder and President of Women of Grace, Living His Life Abundantly |
| Notable Works | Full of Grace, The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare |
| First Marriage | Anthony “Tony” Benkovic (1974–2007) |
| Second Marriage | Jack Williams (2018–present) |
| Children | Simon (deceased), Jessica, Thea |
| Grandchildren | Ten |
| Net Worth | $1 million–$5 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $175,365 (estimated annual average as a radio/TV host) |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter |
| Key Achievements | Over 50,000 women impacted by Women of Grace programs |
| Recent Activity | Speaking at 2024 Faith & Wine Lee County, active on EWTN |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Faith and Empowerment
Johnnette Benkovic’s life is a powerful narrative of faith, resilience, and impact. At 75, her work continues to inspire through Women of Grace and her media presence. Her net worth reflects a successful career, while her married life with Jack Williams showcases hope after loss. By blending personal experiences with her ministry, she offers a unique perspective on living abundantly in faith. For more on her journey, visit Women of Grace or explore her books on ThriftBooks.
