James Dobson, one of the most prominent voices of the American evangelical movement and founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. His passing on August 21, 2025, was confirmed by family and close associates, though the cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Dobson leaves behind a legacy that profoundly shaped conservative Christian activism in the United States for more than four decades. Originally trained as a child psychologist, he rose to national prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with the launch of Focus on the Family, a radio broadcast and advocacy group that quickly became a cultural force. His programs, books, and media appearances resonated with millions of American households, addressing themes of family life, parenting, and faith.
Over time, Dobson expanded beyond family counseling into direct political engagement. He helped mobilize evangelical voters around issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious liberty, frequently urging Christians to bring their faith to the ballot box. His influence was instrumental in cementing the evangelical bloc as a decisive factor within Republican Party politics. In 1983, he co-founded the Family Research Council, a Washington-based think tank that remains central to the religious right’s policy agenda.
Critics often accused Dobson of promoting exclusionary views and contributing to political polarization. Supporters, however, credit him with defending traditional family values and giving a voice to millions of religious Americans who felt overlooked by mainstream culture. His reach extended beyond politics: Dobson’s best-selling books on child-rearing and marriage became staples in Christian homes, and his daily broadcasts at their peak reached more than 200 million listeners in 150 countries.
Tributes have poured in from across the political and religious spectrum. Evangelical leaders praised him as a “shepherd of families,” while political figures highlighted his role in shaping conservative coalitions. “He taught generations that faith and family are worth fighting for,” one statement read.
As America reflects on his passing, Dobson’s legacy remains both celebrated and contested. His life underscored the powerful intersection of religion, media, and politics in modern U.S. history—an influence likely to endure long after his death.