UPDATE: James Dobson, a pivotal figure in American Christian conservatism, has passed away at the age of 89. The founder of Focus on the Family, Dobson’s death was confirmed by the Colorado Springs-based Dr. James Dobson Family Institute on August 21, 2025. His impact on family values and Christian advocacy spanned decades, making him a household name among evangelical communities.
Dobson, who advised five U.S. presidents and hosted a weekly radio show broadcast by 1,500 stations at its peak, leaves behind a profound legacy in both faith and family advocacy. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
“Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our Nation’s greatest champions of Faith and the American Family, Dr. James Dobson,” tweeted former Vice President Mike Pence.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson was a former professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. His career began in the 1960s as he witnessed troubling changes in social norms, which ultimately spurred him to write the controversial child-rearing manual, Dare to Discipline. This book positioned him as a staunch alternative to Dr. Benjamin Spock, advocating for traditional discipline methods.
In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, a nondenominational evangelical organization that grew into a $140 million multimedia empire, producing radio shows, films, and over 70 independently published books. While officially nonpolitical, Dobson was vocal on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and drug use, significantly shaping the Christian conservative narrative.
Current Focus on the Family president Jim Daly remarked, “He heard many stories of family trauma through the years, and he grieved for each one. He never lost his heart for those who weep. Now, it is our turn to weep.”
As tributes pour in, Dobson’s influence on American culture and family values will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. The community now faces a significant void, as his teachings and advocacy for Christian values have inspired millions worldwide.
What happens next for Focus on the Family and its mission remains to be seen. As supporters reflect on Dobson’s impact, the organization will likely continue to uphold his principles while navigating its future without its founding leader.
