Focus on the Family Founder James Dobson Remembered Following His Death at 89

COLORADO SPRINGS, Aug. 22, 2025 - Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family and a noted psychologist, passed away at 89. He was remembered today.

Dr. Dobson, famous for his radio broadcasts and popular books, guided many parents in faith and family. He passed away Thursday at his home in Colorado Springs. His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, which did not disclose a cause.

Dobson was born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He earned a doctorate in psychology. He became well-known after publishing his 1970 book, *Dare to Discipline*. In this book, he promoted moderate corporal punishment and a structured way of raising children. In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family. At its height, the ministry had over 1,000 staff. It also reached listeners on more than 3,000 radio stations across North America.

In the 1980s and ’90s, Dobson became a key voice for the religious right. He advised four U.S. presidents and rallied evangelical Christians on social issues. His main focus was opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. He famously interviewed President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in 1985. Then, in 2016, he served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

After leaving his role as president of Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson started the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. He also kept hosting the nationally syndicated Family Talk radio program. The show is on around 1,500 stations. It reaches over half a million listeners each week, according to the institute.

In a statement today, Dobson’s family said, “Dr. Dobson’s legacy lives on in the many families he helped, the faith he inspired, and the love he shared.” Gary Bauer, senior vice president at the institute, praised him as a “pioneer.” His advice helped families through changing cultural values.

Dr. Dobson is survived by his wife, Shirley, whom he was married to for 64 years. He also leaves behind their children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.