Kay Arthur, world-renowned Christian author, Bible teacher, and Precept cofounder, died on Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 91.
Precept is a non-profit ministry that was founded by Kay and her late husband Jack in 1970 to help strengthen people’s relationships with God through Bible studies. According to the ministry’s website, what started out as a Bible study for teenagers in the couple’s living room now serves nearly 190 countries in more than 110 languages.
Kay hosted a syndicated Bible study, titled “Precepts for Life,” for 20 years. The show was broadcast across the globe, reaching over 75 million households.
In 2020, Kay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease but served at Precept until her death.
RELATED: Jimmy Carter, Beloved Sunday School Teacher, Ex-President, Dead at 100
Before starting Precept, Kay and Jack served as missionaries in Mexico and were marred for 51 years until Jack passed away at the age of 90 in 2017. Together, they had one son, David, who assumed the role of Precept’s CEO in 2012. Prior to her marriage to Jack, Kay had two sons, Tom and Mark, from a previous marriage that ended before she gave her life to Jesus.
“Our beloved cofounder, Kay Arthur, went to be with the Lord this morning, May 20, 2025,” Precept shared on social media.
“In the late 1960s, Kay and her husband, Jack, started leading Bible studies from their living room. Over the past 55 years, that small outreach has grown into an international ministry discipling millions through Scripture,” the statement continued. “Through television, radio, writing, and speaking, God has used Kay to transform millions of lives across the world. Including ours.”
The statement said that Precept is “so grateful for Kay’s gifts and her obedience to God’s call on her life. Her heart for God’s gospel is reflected in the mission of her ministry to this day: engaging people in relationship with God through knowing His Word.”
RELATED: ‘Overcomer’ Singer and Grammy Award-Winning Christian Artist Mandisa Dead at 47
The ministry asked supporters to join them in thanking God for Arthur’s life and requested their prayers for her family. “She will be dearly missed, but we rejoice knowing that she is whole and made new in the presence of her Maker,” the statement said.
Christian Leaders Pay Tribute to Kay Arthur
Bible teacher and author Beth Moore posted a tribute to Arthur on social media. “I’ve never known an individual more devoted to the Lord or to the tireless, faithful teaching of Scripture than Kay Arthur,” Moore said. “She is now at the feet of her Redeemer, looking up at the radiant face of the One she has loved with her whole being. Thank you, Kay. You were unmatched.”
