Dr. James C. Dobson, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the last half-century and a tireless advocate for life and the family, passed away August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. A psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, 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.
“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 Dr. James Dobson Family 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.”
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, continuing his mission through Family Talk, a nationally syndicated broadcast offering timeless counsel for today’s families.
Dr. Dobson authored more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, The Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and When God Doesn’t Make Sense. His leadership extended beyond media and publishing as he advised U.S. administrations on family policy, juvenile justice, and child welfare.
A frequent presence in Washington, D.C., he served on presidential commissions under Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, addressing pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention, and the sanctity of life. He also served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
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Yet beyond politics and publishing, Dr. Dobson’s influence reached deeply into the pregnancy help movement. Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, reflected on that impact.
“Dr. Dobson both inspired and facilitated pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and adoption services all over the country and around the world," Godsey said. "His consistent, principled championing of life powered many a leader to reach farther, do more, and stay faithful in the process. We mourn his passing, yet we celebrate his many contributions to our ministries, our movement, and our families.”
For decades, resources from Focus on the Family and later JDFI were used in pregnancy help centers to equip staff and volunteers, encourage moms and dads, and strengthen families in times of uncertainty. His strong defense of the unborn and his compassionate guidance for parents helped shape the foundation of pregnancy help work worldwide.
Tweet This: Dr. Dobson’s strong defense of the unborn and his compassionate guidance for parents helped shape the foundation of pregnancy help work worldwide.
His son, Ryan Dobson, shared the personal heart that drove his father’s ministry.
“Yes, he was bold. Yes, he spoke hard truths. But beneath all of it was a deep, quiet desire to help families, to protect children, and to introduce people to Jesus. Not to condemn. To save. To restore. To heal. He didn’t just preach it—he lived it.”
Dr. Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two grandchildren.
His voice, influence, and steadfast witness will continue through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, Family Talk, and the thousands of ministries, families, and leaders he inspired—including the global pregnancy help movement.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).
For more on his legacy, visit www.drjamesdobson.org.
