James Dobson, Founder of Focus on the Family and Conservative Christian Leader, Dies at 89
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — James C. Dobson, the child psychologist who became one of America’s most influential evangelical leaders through his ministry Focus on the Family and his advocacy on conservative social issues, has died at the age of 89. His death was confirmed Thursday by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
Dobson’s career began in academia, but his reach expanded dramatically in the 1970s when he launched a Christian radio program offering parenting and marriage advice. His straightforward manner, blending psychological training with biblical principles, quickly attracted a large audience. In 1977, he formally founded Focus on the Family, which grew into a sprawling evangelical organization employing more than 1,000 people at its peak and producing broadcasts, magazines, books, and counseling services for millions worldwide.
Through Focus on the Family, Dobson became a central figure in the rise of the religious right in American politics. He championed conservative values, campaigned against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and became a trusted adviser to Republican presidents including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. His influence was such that political candidates often sought his endorsement as a gateway to evangelical voters.
Supporters praised him as a moral compass for families navigating cultural change. His bestselling books, including Dare to Discipline and Bringing Up Boys, shaped Christian parenting for generations, while his radio programs reached millions daily. He was, to many, a reassuring voice in an era of rapid social transformation.
But Dobson’s legacy is deeply polarizing. Critics condemned his defense of corporal punishment, his resistance to LGBTQ+ equality, and his support for so-called “conversion therapy” programs. Civil rights groups argued that his teachings contributed to stigma and exclusion, while defenders insisted he was upholding biblical truth.
Even after stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson remained active. He established the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, where he continued to broadcast through “Family Talk” and write extensively. He authored more than 70 books over his lifetime and maintained a loyal following among evangelical Christians.
Tributes poured in following news of his death. Gary Bauer, senior vice president of Dobson’s institute and a longtime conservative activist, described him as “a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped how generations of Christians viewed faith, family, and culture.” Bauer added, “Whether you agreed with him or not, you could not ignore his influence.”
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson grew up in a deeply religious household and carried those values throughout his life. He earned his doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern California, where he taught for several years before transitioning into media and ministry. His ability to translate academic concepts into plain, practical advice distinguished him from other evangelical leaders of his era.
Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their two children, Danae and Ryan, and a granddaughter. His family released a statement describing him as a “devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose faith guided every step of his journey.”
For admirers, Dobson leaves behind a legacy of faith and family-centered teaching that influenced tens of millions of believers. For detractors, he was a symbol of resistance to social progress. Yet both sides agree that his role in shaping evangelical Christianity and American politics was profound.
James Dobson’s passing closes a chapter in the history of the religious right, but his impact — in pulpits, households, and the voting booth — will echo for decades to come.