Dr. James C. Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, died Thursday, Aug. 21, following a brief illness. He was 89.
Dobson was a psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster, and an advisor to five U.S. presidents.
In 2004, The New York Times called Dobson “one of the nation’s most influential evangelical leaders.”
Dobson authored more than 70 books, including “The New Strong-Willed Child,” “The New Dare to Discipline,” “When God Doesn’t Make Sense,” and “Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls.”
Focus on the Family, which Dobson founded in 1977, has become one of the largest evangelical organizations in the world. It produced “Adventures in Odyssey,” a family drama series that later expanded into a video series, games, books and devotionals.
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The ministry’s broadcasts have aired on more than 4,000 North American radio stations and were translated into 27 languages for audiences in more than 160 countries.
The organization has also been a prominent public voice against abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, gambling, drugs, gender identity, and sex education.
In 2010, Dobson left Focus on the Family and founded Family Talk, launching the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. According to a press release, the institute is “dedicated to preserving the biblical institutions of marriage and family by encouraging, inspiring, and leading parents and children to build their lives on God’s Word.”
Family Talk announced Dobson’s death Thursday on Facebook. “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,” the post read.
“Dr. Dobson’s unwavering faith and tireless devotion to the family shaped generations,” the statement continued. “For nearly five decades, his voice championed life, marriage, and the truth of God’s Word.”
