James Dobson, adviser to multiple presidents, dies aged 89
One of the most influential Christian leaders for decades, Dr. James. C. Dobson, has died at the age of 89.
His James Dobson Family Institute announced his passing on Thursday.
He was “tireless advocate for the traditional family.”
“A psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, a Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster, and advisor to five U.S. presidents, Dr. Dobson dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values by championing the central role of family in America,” the JDFI confirmed.
Today, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Dr. James C. Dobson. He went home to be with the Lord peacefully, following a brief illness.
Dr. Dobson’s unwavering faith and tireless devotion to the family shaped generations. pic.twitter.com/DKzaOVsEJS
— Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (@DrJamesDobsonFT) August 21, 2025
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer—a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the organization.
“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 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, creating one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world. His daily broadcasts were heard on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries. Following his departure from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dr. Dobson launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), continuing his mission through Family Talk, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast offering timeless counsel for today’s families, the JDFI said.
He played multiple key roles in presidential commissions, serving in positions to which he was appointed by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
He was instrumental in shaping national conversations around pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention, and the sanctity of human life, and he served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two beloved grandchildren.
He wrote more than 70 books include “The New Dare to Discipline,” “The New Strong-Willed Child,” “Bringing Up Boys,” “Bringing Up Girls,” and “When God Doesn’t Make Sense.”
He worked to found several other very influential groups, including the Alliance Defending Freedom, a coalition of legal experts who have fought on behalf of religious rights before the nation’s Supreme Court multiple times.
He also was integral to the founding of the Family Research Council and the Family Policy Alliance, and more.
“The world has lost a mighty voice for truth and an incredibly influential servant of Christ today,” said ADF CEO Kristen Waggoner. “Dobson’s bold leadership and commitment to the Gospel shaped the lives of so many and will continue to do so many years after his passing. We know that death is not the end, and we are confident he is walking victoriously into the arms of his Savior and hearing the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ ADF is grateful for the vision and inspiration Dobson provided us, and we extend our warmest sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the Dobson family.”
It was in 1994 that Dobson joined with Bill Bright, Marlin Maddoux, D. James Kennedy, Larry Burkett, and William Pew to launch the ADF.
Dobson had previously served with Alan Sears on the U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography in 1986, which led to Dobson being a central figure in calling Sears to serve as CEO, president, and general counsel for ADF for 26 years.
“I am sad to learn of the passing of my ally and friend, Dr. James Dobson,” said Sears. “He gave us the greatest gift any person can give: his name and reputation. It was an incredible trust and turned out to be a gift that changed the world. Without Dobson in those early years, it’s unlikely ADF would have become what it is today.”
It has been one of the great honors of my life to know Dr. James Dobson. What a hero! He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for God’s purposes. He has finished the race — to God’s glory! Hallelujah! May we all follow in his footsteps. Praise the LORD! pic.twitter.com/4K7G7nD93N
— Eric Metaxas (@ericmetaxas) August 21, 2025
Dobson reflecting on his legacy. pic.twitter.com/0CEB9sBvsb
— Megan Basham (@megbasham) August 21, 2025
We invite you to join us in prayer and in carrying this mission forward.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” —Psalm 116:15
Visit https://t.co/9hvTwGO9uu to see how we are honoring his legacy. pic.twitter.com/gScR4gNthP
— Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (@DrJamesDobsonFT) August 21, 2025
Few people have had the positive, Christ-honoring impact on the family as Dr. Jim Dobson; his legacy will be lasting.
My parents used his instructions to shape our home as a family of new Christians, and I then had the privilege of working alongside him to protect marriage and… pic.twitter.com/RuX6OZ9R3O
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) August 21, 2025