A prominent evangelical leader, psychologist, and former adviser to Donald Trump, Dr. James Dobson, died Thursday morning at the age of 89, marking the end of a decades-long influence on American faith, family life, and politics.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson rose to national prominence as one of the most recognizable voices in evangelical Christianity. Through his daily radio broadcasts and bestselling books, he reached millions of families, emphasizing the importance of faith, marriage, and child-rearing in American society.
In the mid-1970s, Dobson founded Focus on the Family, a ministry that quickly became a major force in shaping evangelical perspectives on cultural and social issues. By the 1980s and 1990s, his radio program was airing on more than 4,000 stations across North America and reaching audiences worldwide in multiple languages.
The organization later moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs, where it remains today. Under Dobson’s leadership, it became a key platform for advocacy on issues such as marriage, parenting, religious liberty, and pro-life policies.
Dobson also authored more than 70 books, including The New Dare to Discipline and When God Doesn’t Make Sense, which were widely read among Christian families and institutions. His work often addressed cultural concerns such as declining church participation and shifting moral values.
After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, he launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, continuing his outreach through media and public policy engagement.
Beyond ministry, Dobson played a notable role in politics, advising multiple U.S. presidents, including George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. He was also a member of Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, helping strengthen ties between conservative Christian communities and the White House.
Dobson’s legacy spans both religious and political spheres, with supporters crediting him for strengthening families and guiding generations through his teachings.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, along with his children, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. His organization described his passing as “the close of a remarkable chapter in American Christian life,” noting that his influence will continue for years to come.
