Dr. James Dobson: Focus on the Family Founder Dies at 89 — Cause of Death, Family, Biography, and Legacy
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dr. James C. Dobson, one of the most influential figures in American evangelical Christianity and founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. His death was confirmed on August 21, 2025, by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
The institute’s statement described Dobson as “a pioneer whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family, and culture.” While an official cause of death was not disclosed immediately, family representatives noted that Dobson had faced health complications in recent years, including heart issues, and passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Early Life and Biography
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson grew up in a devout Christian household led by his father, a traveling evangelist. He pursued a career in psychology, earning a Ph.D. in child development from the University of Southern California. Dobson spent 17 years on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and served as an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine, where he specialized in child development and family dynamics.
His 1970 book, Dare to Discipline, became a bestseller and positioned him as a trusted advisor to Christian parents. The book emphasized firm but loving discipline, sparking both praise and criticism, but firmly established Dobson as a national voice on child-rearing.
Focus on the Family and Public Influence
In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family in Arcadia, California, later relocating the ministry to Colorado Springs. Under his leadership, the organization grew into a media powerhouse with more than 1,000 employees at its peak. Its radio programs, heard on over 4,000 stations across North America and translated into 27 languages, reached millions worldwide.
Dobson’s influence extended far beyond the pulpit. Through Focus on the Family, he became a central figure in the religious right, shaping debates over abortion, same-sex marriage, evolution in schools, and broader cultural issues. He was appointed to presidential commissions by Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and later advised Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
While beloved by many evangelicals, Dobson was also a deeply polarizing figure. Critics accused him of promoting intolerance, particularly through his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Supporters, however, praised his steadfast commitment to “traditional family values” and his belief that public policy should align with biblical principles.
Family and Personal Life
Beyond his public persona, Dobson often described himself as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married Shirley Dobson in 1960, and together they became one of evangelical America’s most prominent couples. Shirley was known for her leadership in the National Day of Prayer Task Force, serving for 25 years.
The couple had two children, Danae and Ryan, both of whom carried forward their parents’ emphasis on faith and family. Danae has been involved in Christian ministry, while Ryan Dobson has written and spoken on contemporary faith issues.
Later Years and Net Worth
Dobson stepped down from Focus on the Family in 2010, founding the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute shortly afterward. Through this new platform, he continued hosting his long-running Family Talk radio show, offering parenting advice and biblical reflections.
In addition to his broadcasting and counseling work, Dobson authored over 70 books, covering topics ranging from marriage and parenting to cultural and political commentary. His net worth at the time of his death is estimated at $5–10 million, largely from book sales, speaking engagements, and his decades of leadership in Christian organizations.
Legacy
Dr. Dobson’s passing closes a significant chapter in the history of American evangelicalism. For supporters, he will be remembered as a courageous defender of faith and family. For critics, his influence symbolized the entanglement of religion and politics in late 20th-century America.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, summed up his impact in a tribute: “Few people have had the positive, Christ-honoring impact on the family as Dr. Jim Dobson. His legacy will be lasting.”
Dobson’s funeral service will be private, with a public memorial expected in Colorado Springs later this year.
As tributes pour in from across the political and religious spectrum, one theme is consistent: James Dobson was a man who believed deeply in his mission, dedicating his life to shaping how millions of families lived out their faith.