Dr. James C. Dobson, the influential conservative Christian psychologist, author and broadcaster who founded Focus on the Family and became one of the most prominent evangelical voices in American culture, died Aug. 21 at the age of 89.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute said Thursday that Dobson passed away in Colorado Springs following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two grandchildren.
Dobson rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, promoting traditional family values through bestselling books and a daily radio broadcast that grew to reach millions worldwide. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977, building it into one of the largest Christian media and advocacy organizations in the world, before stepping down in 2010 to launch the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and its Family Talk radio program.
“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 institute. “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.”
Craig DeRoche, president and CEO of the Family Policy Alliance, called Dobson “a trusted advocate for faith, family and biblical values” whose “life’s work continues to shape our nation.” Conservative author and broadcaster Eric Metaxas described him as “a hero” and said it was “one of the great honors of my life to know Dr. James Dobson.”
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, James Clayton Dobson Jr. earned his Ph.D. in child development from the University of Southern California in 1967. He taught at USC’s School of Medicine and worked at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles before shifting full time to writing and broadcasting.
His first major book, Dare to Discipline, sold more than 3 million copies and helped establish his reputation as a leading Christian voice on parenting. He went on to write more than 70 titles, including The New Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls and When God Doesn’t Make Sense.
Dobson’s radio broadcasts at their peak were heard on more than 4,000 stations across North America and translated into 27 languages for audiences in more than 160 countries. Even after leaving Focus on the Family, his Family Talk program continued to air on more than 1,500 outlets, reaching over half a million listeners each week.
Beyond media, Dobson became a trusted adviser to political leaders, consulting with five U.S. presidents on family policy, juvenile justice and child welfare. He served on presidential commissions under Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, including panels on pornography, teen pregnancy and missing children, and later joined Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
He was a central figure in the rise of the Christian Right, praised by supporters for defending the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and parental rights, but also criticized by progressive groups for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
Despite controversy, Dobson remained one of the most recognized and influential evangelical leaders of the past half-century. His admirers credit him with shaping the conversation around family, faith and culture for generations.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
