James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and influential evangelical leader, has died at 89, leaving a lasting impact on American conservative politics, family advocacy, and Christian media, with his work shaping debates on parenting, morality, and social issues while drawing both admiration and controversy.

Dr. James Dobson, the influential Christian psychologist, author, and founder of the conservative ministry Focus on the Family, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a complex and enduring legacy that shaped American evangelicalism, political activism, and family counseling.

The announcement of his death was made by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, the organization he founded after leaving Focus on the Family in 2010.

Dobson’s life and work had long intersected with both religious and political spheres, making him a pivotal figure in American conservative circles for decades.

Dobson began his career as a child psychologist and gained national prominence through his radio program, which offered guidance to Christian parents seeking to raise their children according to traditional values.

In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, a ministry that grew to employ more than 1,000 staff members at its peak and became a prominent platform for Dobson to influence public policy, legislate morality, and advocate for family-oriented social policies.

The organization provided counseling, media outreach, educational resources, and community support for families across the United States, rapidly becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American evangelical life.

Throughout his career, Dobson was a staunch campaigner on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and parental rights, and he publicly opposed laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ individuals, arguing that such practices were part of religious freedom and parental choice.

His advocacy extended into politics, where he often advised presidential administrations, including serving on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

Dobson’s political influence was marked by his ability to mobilize evangelical voters and advocate for socially conservative policies, often intertwining faith and politics in ways that drew both support and criticism.

After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson established the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, continuing his work through the Family Talk radio show.

Syndicated nationally and broadcast across more than 1,500 radio outlets, the show reached over half a million listeners weekly, reflecting Dobson’s sustained popularity and influence even after leaving the organization he founded.

His radio program provided advice on parenting, relationships, and faith, and became a staple for conservative Christian households seeking guidance rooted in Dobson’s interpretation of biblical principles.

In addition to his media presence, Dobson authored numerous books, many of which became bestsellers, discussing topics from family life and child psychology to marriage and moral values.

His work often emphasized the centrality of the family unit, traditional gender roles, and the cultivation of moral character in children, which resonated deeply with American evangelicals and conservative communities nationwide.

The reaction to Dobson’s death has highlighted both his achievements and the controversies surrounding his influence.

Supporters praised his lifelong dedication to strengthening families and providing a moral framework for parenting, while critics have scrutinized his positions on LGBTQ rights and the politicization of his ministry.

In a statement released by his family, they noted, “Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed.”

The statement emphasized that his legacy is carried forward through the lives of those who followed his guidance and through the ongoing work of the Family Institute and Family Talk media initiatives.

Dobson’s career coincided with significant cultural and political shifts in America.

From the rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s to the increasing involvement of evangelical voters in national politics, Dobson’s guidance and outreach were instrumental in shaping the intersection of faith and policy.

He cultivated close relationships with political leaders, religious figures, and community activists, often serving as a bridge between grassroots evangelical communities and the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.

While Dobson’s influence waned in certain areas after his departure from Focus on the Family, his continued engagement through radio broadcasts, speaking engagements, and writings ensured that his voice remained central to discussions on family, morality, and faith-based social policies.

His approach combined psychological expertise with religious doctrine, creating a unique platform that resonated with millions of Americans over decades.

James Dobson’s passing marks the end of an era for American evangelicalism and conservative family advocacy.

His work reshaped national conversations on parenting, faith, and morality, leaving a lasting imprint on both American society and politics.

As his family and followers reflect on his life, Dobson is remembered as a passionate advocate, a pioneering voice in Christian media, and a figure whose complex legacy will continue to influence debates on religion, politics, and family values for years to come.