A former close adviser to President Donald Trump suddenly passed away on Thursday.
Dr. James Dobson, a prominent evangelical leader who advised five U.S. presidents and founded one of the nation’s most influential Christian organizations, has died at the age of 89.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute announced that he passed away Thursday morning. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American Christianity over the past half-century, Dobson played a central role in shaping the modern evangelical movement.
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family, and culture,” Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the JDFI, said of the leader’s passing. “His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times.”
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1936, Dobson devoted his life to promoting faith, advising parents, and emphasizing the importance of family in American life. In the 1970s, he founded Focus on the Family in California, building it into one of the world’s largest evangelical ministries. The organization relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991, where it continues to operate today.
Beyond his ministry, Dobson became a central figure in the modern evangelical movement, using his radio broadcasts, books, and public speaking to influence millions of American households. He advised five U.S. presidents on matters of family, faith, and social policy, and his work played a key role in mobilizing conservative Christians as a political force beginning in the late 20th century.
Dobson’s advocacy helped shape national debates on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious liberty. Supporters credited him with giving a voice to evangelical concerns in Washington, while critics argued that his efforts deepened political polarization around cultural issues.
At the height of its ministry under Dobson, the organization’s daily radio show was broadcast on more than 4,000 stations across North America. These broadcasts were translated into 27 different languages and distributed to over 160 countries, making the program one of the most widely heard Christian radio shows in the world, according to Fox.
