James Dobson, a prominent evangelical leader, psychologist, and influential voice in American conservative Christianity, died Thursday morning at the age of 89. For more than five decades, he helped shape conversations around faith, family, and cultural values in the United States.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson first built his career as a clinical psychologist before becoming one of the most recognized figures in evangelical media. His work focused largely on strengthening families, encouraging faith-based parenting, and promoting traditional Christian values in American society.
Dobson rose to national prominence in the 1970s when he founded Focus on the Family in California. The ministry quickly expanded and became a major platform for addressing issues such as marriage, parenting, and cultural change from a Christian perspective. Through books, counseling resources, and radio programming, the organization reached millions of families across the country.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Dobson’s daily radio program had become one of the most widely heard Christian broadcasts in the world. It aired on more than 4,000 stations across North America, was translated into dozens of languages, and was distributed in over 160 countries. In 1991, Focus on the Family moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs, where it remains based today.
In addition to broadcasting, Dobson authored more than 70 books addressing parenting, marriage, and spiritual life. Among his most widely read works were The New Dare to Discipline and When God Doesn’t Make Sense, both of which sold millions of copies and became popular resources for Christian families and churches.
Dobson was also involved in public policy discussions and advised several U.S. presidents, including George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. In later years, he also served on Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson launched the James Dobson Family Institute, continuing his work through radio programs, digital outreach, and public policy advocacy.
Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their two children, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren. His supporters say his teachings and writings will continue to influence Christian families and communities for generations to come.