Dr. James Dobson, the psychologist and evangelical leader who shaped American Christian views on family and parenting for more than five decades, has died at age 89.
Dobson passed away Thursday morning. The founder of Focus on the Family built one of the most influential platforms in evangelical Christianity through radio broadcasts, bestselling books, and policy advocacy that reached millions worldwide.
A Lifetime of Influence
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson trained as a clinical psychologist before identifying a gap in Christian guidance on family matters. In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family in California, which quickly expanded across North America and eventually operated in 27 languages across more than 160 countries.
His daily radio program became one of the most listened-to Christian broadcasts globally. Dobson wrote more than 70 books that became staples in evangelical households, addressing practical concerns about marriage, parenting, discipline, and raising children within faith traditions.
Policy and Public Advocacy
Beyond broadcasting, Dobson advised five U.S. presidents on religious freedom, family policy, and moral issues. He served on Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board and championed traditional marriage, pro-life causes, and religious liberty in public discourse.
After departing Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson established the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, which continued his mission through digital content, advocacy, and radio programming.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dobson was married to Shirley for 64 years and had two children and two grandchildren. Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the family institute, said
