COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — James Dobson, the evangelical psychologist and influential founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at his Colorado Springs home on Wednesday, August 21, 2025.
Dobson, who built a ministry that reached millions of households around the globe, was widely known for blending psychology with faith-based principles. Over the course of five decades, his voice became one of the most prominent in America’s evangelical movement.
From Psychologist to Evangelical Leader
Born in April 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson often said faith was the backbone of his upbringing. After earning a doctorate in child development from the University of Southern California, he worked as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics. But it was his 1970 bestseller, Dare to Discipline, that propelled him into the national spotlight.
The book struck a chord with parents looking for guidance, laying the foundation for his later mission: to promote what he saw as traditional family values through a biblical lens.
Building Focus on the Family
In 1977, Dobson launched Focus on the Family from a small office in Southern California. The ministry quickly expanded into a media powerhouse, producing radio programs, magazines, and books that touched on parenting, marriage, and cultural issues. At its peak, the daily broadcast was heard on thousands of stations worldwide, with an estimated audience of more than 200 million people.
“Dad believed families are the heartbeat of society,” said his son, Ryan Dobson. “He poured his life into helping parents and children thrive.”
Political and Cultural Influence
As his platform grew, so did his role in American politics. Dobson became a trusted voice for conservative Christians, advising several U.S. presidents and mobilizing evangelical voters. He was outspoken against abortion and same-sex marriage, and he strongly promoted abstinence before marriage.
Supporters hailed him as a champion of Christian values, while critics argued his influence deepened the cultural divide in American life. Regardless, his impact was undeniable.
Later Years and Lasting Legacy
Dobson stepped down from Focus on the Family in 2010, but retirement never really suited him. He went on to establish the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and launched Family Talk, a radio show that continued his mission of offering faith-based counsel.
Even in his later years, colleagues say Dobson remained sharp and deeply engaged with cultural debates. Gary Bauer, president of the Dobson Institute, called him “a pioneer whose voice shaped the way generations think about faith, family, and culture.”
Remembering a Life of Faith
Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two grandchildren.
In a statement, Focus on the Family described him as “a hero of the faith,” adding that his life’s work will continue to inspire future generations of believers.
For millions of listeners and readers, James Dobson was more than just a broadcaster or author. To many, he was a trusted counselor, a steady voice in turbulent times, and a figure who believed, above all, in the power of faith and family.
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