Dr. James Dobson Passes Away at 89
Dr. James Dobson, known for founding Focus on the Family and as a significant evangelical leader, died on Thursday at the age of 89.
“With Dr. Dobson’s passing, we remember the life of a talented man who walked with the Lord. I am grateful for his sensibility to people who are weak, oppressed, and sometimes overlooked,” noted his organization’s homepage.
Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President at the James Dobson Family Institute, confirmed the news of Dobson’s death, which occurred early Thursday morning.
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer, a man of deep beliefs who shaped how a generation viewed faith, family, and culture,” Bauer remarked. “His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion empowered many families to thrive amid changing values. He truly was a stable voice of truth during turbulent times.”
In 1977, Dobson established Focus on the Family, which has become one of the largest evangelical ministries globally. Initially based in Arcadia, California, the organization moved to Colorado Springs in 1991 and remains there today.
Under his guidance, the Focus on the Family Daily Radio Program grew to reach over 4,000 stations across North America. This program has been translated into 27 languages and distributed in more than 160 countries, making it one of the most widely recognized faith-based radio shows around, according to the Institute.
After stepping down from Focus in 2010, Dobson founded the James Dobson Family Institute, aiming to maintain a more personal approach to his mission.
As a bestselling author and a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, Dobson penned over 70 books on family preservation. Titles like A New Dare to Discipline and When God Makes No Sense continue to hold significance in many Christian households today.
Dobson also served as an advisor to several U.S. Presidents, including Ronald Reagan, both George H.W. and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. He was part of President Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Committee, which provided guidance on religious matters during his first term.
His legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to traditional family values and a notable influence on American evangelical perspectives and political involvement.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, 64, along with their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren.
