James Dobson, a prominent minister and child psychologist known for his influence among Christian conservatives in the United States, has passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed on August 21, 2025, by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute based in Colorado Springs. The announcement did not specify the cause of his passing.
Dobson was the founder of Focus on the Family, an evangelical organization he established in the 1970s that grew to become a significant voice in American family and religious issues. During his career, he advised five U.S. presidents and hosted a widely popular radio program, which at its peak aired on 1,500 radio stations across the country.
Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his condolences, stating, “Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our nation’s greatest champions of faith and the American family.” Dobson’s legacy is marked by his steadfast defense of Christian values and family structures, which he promoted through various media platforms.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson served as a professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and worked as a psychologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. His experiences during the cultural shifts of the 1960s led him to write the influential child-rearing manual, Dare to Discipline, which advocated for strict disciplinary measures and positioned him as a counterpoint to more lenient parenting philosophies popularized by figures like Dr. Benjamin Spock.
Throughout his career, Dobson was vocal in his opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and other social issues, using his platform to address what he perceived as moral decline. Although Focus on the Family maintained a nonpolitical stance, Dobson frequently spoke out on political matters, shaping the views of many American conservatives.
Under his leadership, Focus on the Family evolved into a $140 million multimedia organization that produced radio programs, magazines, films, and numerous books authored by Dobson himself. The institute’s widespread influence extended beyond religious circles, impacting public discourse on family and social issues for over three decades.
Dobson completed his undergraduate studies in psychology at Pasadena College (now known as Point Loma Nazarene University) in 1958 and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1962. He later earned a doctorate in child development in 1967. His academic background and personal experiences informed his work, which resonated with millions of listeners and readers worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement, Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, remarked, “He heard many stories of family trauma through the years, and he grieved for each one. He never lost his heart for those who weep. Now, it is our turn to weep.” Dobson is remembered not only for his contributions to family and faith but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many across the globe.
