Dr James C. Dobson, the evangelical psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on Thursday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Dr James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) confirmed.
Dobson, who began his career as a child psychologist, rose to prominence through his Christian parenting advice and radio broadcasts. In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, which grew into one of the most influential evangelical ministries in the United States and featured regularly on Premier Christian Radio.
At its height, it employed more than 1,000 staff and shaped public debates on family life, faith, and morality.
"Dr. Dobson was a pioneer, a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family, and culture," said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the JDFI.
"His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times."
After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson launched the Dr James Dobson Family Institute and continued to broadcast through his Family Talk radio program, which today reaches hundreds of thousands of listeners across the country.
Throughout his life, Dobson was outspoken on issues of faith, family, and culture. He served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board and was known for his strong pro-life stance and traditional views on marriage.
Dobson wrote more than 70 books on family life and Christian discipleship, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and When God Doesn’t Make Sense. Many of these titles remain widely read in Christian homes around the world today.
Many within the Church have described Dobson as one of the most significant Christian leaders of the past half-century, whose teaching on family discipleship has influenced generations of believers worldwide.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two grandchildren.
On X, Focus on the Family paid tribute: “Today we remember a hero of the faith... Although we're sorrowful over this loss, we are thankful for his legacy of family ministry that will live on for future generations, and rejoice that he is now in the presence of our Savior.”
