James Dobson, the influential Christian psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family, died on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89, marking the end of an era for American evangelicalism and conservative political activism. Dobson’s death was announced by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, which did not specify a cause. His passing has prompted tributes from political leaders, religious figures, and countless families who were touched by his decades-long ministry and advocacy for traditional family values.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson’s early life set the stage for a career that would intersect faith, psychology, and public policy. After earning his doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1967, he began writing and speaking on parenting and family life. His first book, “Dare to Discipline,” published in 1970, advocated for corporal punishment and strict child-rearing—ideas that would become foundational to his later work. According to USA Today, Dobson’s commitment to traditional family values placed him at the center of heated national debates over issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to promoting Christian family life through radio programs, books, and educational materials. The organization quickly grew, at one point employing more than 1,000 people and reaching millions through its broadcasts and publications. Focus on the Family’s programming was known for its broad appeal across evangelical denominations and nondenominational Protestantism, despite Dobson’s own roots in the Church of the Nazarene. The organization’s influence was such that when Dobson moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs in 1991, the city soon earned the nickname “Evangelical Vatican” as other ministries followed suit, as reported by USA Today.
Dobson’s media reach was extraordinary. His radio show, at its peak, was broadcast on up to 4,000 stations across North America and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2008. Even after stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson continued his radio ministry through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and the Family Talk radio show, which, according to the institute, is syndicated on 1,500 outlets and draws more than half a million listeners weekly. He hosted his program until as recently as August 15, 2025.
Dobson’s influence extended far beyond the pulpit and the airwaves. He became a key figure in the rise of the religious right, advising five U.S. presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, Dobson interviewed President Reagan in the Oval Office in 1985 and was recognized by leaders like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson as a driving force in bringing conservative Christian ideals into the political mainstream. In 1989, Falwell called Dobson a “rising star,” and Dobson’s activism only grew from there.
His political involvement was not without controversy. In 2005, Dobson was at the center of a national debate when it was revealed that Karl Rove, a top adviser to President George W. Bush, had privately shared information with him about Supreme Court nominee Harriet E. Miers’ religious views. The revelation raised questions about the influence of the religious right over judicial appointments, and Miers’ nomination ultimately failed. Dobson’s advocacy also included support for legal challenges to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and he was a co-founder of influential organizations such as the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom, both of which have played key roles in conservative legal battles before the Supreme Court.
Dobson’s relationship with Donald Trump was particularly notable. He was an early supporter in July 2016, at a time when many evangelicals were skeptical of Trump’s candidacy. Dobson served on an evangelical advisory board for Trump and supported him in all three of his presidential campaigns. He celebrated the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, crediting Trump’s judicial appointments for making it possible. In a ministry broadcast, Dobson stated, “Whether you like Donald Trump or not, whether you supported or voted for him or not, if you are supportive of this Dobbs decision that struck down Roe v. Wade, you have to mention in the same breath the man who made it possible.”
Throughout his career, Dobson was both a mentor and a lightning rod. He helped launch the careers of other conservative Christian leaders, such as Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, and was praised by figures like Franklin Graham and Ralph Reed. Reed, a longtime political organizer, recalled, “If Jim had decided to run [for president], he would have been a major force.” Reed also shared that Dobson’s voice was a constant companion on the AM radio dial during long drives through rural America, saying, “There will probably never be another one like him.”
Dobson’s work was not confined to politics and policy. He was a counselor and confidant to millions of families, offering advice on marriage, parenting, and faith. His programs often featured guests who shared stories of leaving homosexuality to embrace Christianity, reflecting Dobson’s deeply held convictions. He also took on issues like pornography, famously interviewing serial killer Ted Bundy the day before his execution in 1989. Bundy claimed that exposure to pornography fueled his crimes, a narrative Dobson shared widely, though Bundy’s attorney later downplayed its credibility in an interview with the Associated Press.
Tributes after Dobson’s death have highlighted his compassion and steadfastness. Gary Bauer, senior vice president at Dobson’s institute, called him “a pioneer—a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture.” Focus on the Family president Jim Daly said, “He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to millions of listeners and readers around the world.” Kristen Waggoner, CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, added, “Dobson’s bold leadership and commitment to the Gospel shaped the lives of so many and will continue to do so many years after his passing.”
Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren. His family released a statement noting, “Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed.”
As the American religious and political landscape continues to evolve, Dobson’s legacy—marked by conviction, controversy, and a deep commitment to his faith—remains indelible. His voice, once a fixture on the nation’s airwaves, will echo for generations in the institutions he helped build and the debates he helped shape.
