Colorado Springs, Colorado — Dr. James C. Dobson, one of the most influential evangelical leaders of the past half-century and the founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. Surrounded by loved ones, Dobson passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Christian broadcasting, family counseling, and conservative cultural engagement in America.
A Voice for Families
For millions of listeners, Dobson’s voice became as familiar as a pastor’s or a family friend’s. Beginning in 1977, when he launched Focus on the Family from a small office in Arcadia, California, his daily broadcasts offered advice on marriage, child-rearing, and faith. By the 1980s, the program was reaching millions of households, making Dobson one of the most trusted names in evangelical America.
His straightforward counsel, delivered with warmth and conviction, carried both the authority of a trained psychologist and the heart of a committed believer. “The family,” Dobson often said, “is the foundation of civilization. If it crumbles, everything else does too.”
From Psychologist to Cultural Leader
Dobson was not a preacher by ordination but by influence. Trained as a child psychologist, he first gained attention with his 1970 book Dare to Discipline, which became a bestseller and set the tone for his life’s work: defending traditional family values in an age of cultural change.
Over time, his reach extended far beyond parenting advice. His books — including Bringing Up Boys and Love Must Be Tough — sold in the millions, while his broadcasts shaped debates over family policy, education, and religious freedom.
In the political realm, Dobson emerged as a forceful advocate for conservative causes. Though often reluctant to be labeled a politician, his words carried enormous weight, particularly among evangelical voters. Presidents, senators, and policymakers sought his counsel, and his support could sway national conversations on morality and public life.
A Controversial Yet Unifying Figure
Dobson was not without critics. His unwavering stances on issues such as same-sex marriage, abortion, and public education made him a lightning rod in American culture wars. Yet even his detractors acknowledged his ability to galvanize evangelical communities with clarity and passion.
For his supporters, he was more than a broadcaster — he was a shepherd for families trying to navigate the storms of modern life. His advice on marriage, faith, and raising children became touchstones for multiple generations.
Later Years and Ongoing Work
In 2010, after more than three decades at the helm of Focus on the Family, Dobson stepped down but continued his ministry through a new venture, Family Talk. Until his final years, he remained active as a writer, speaker, and broadcaster, still addressing the challenges facing Christian families in a rapidly changing world.
His later reflections often carried a tone of gratitude and humility. “I never imagined what God would do with my small offering,” he once remarked. “It was never about building an empire. It was always about strengthening families.”
Faith, Family, and Legacy
Dr. Dobson’s final words, according to family members, echoed the themes of his life’s work: faith, love, and gratitude. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, their children, and grandchildren — the very family structure he spent a lifetime defending and celebrating.
Churches across the nation are expected to honor his passing in the coming days, while Focus on the Family has announced plans for a memorial service in Colorado Springs, where his ministry has been headquartered since 1991.
The End of an Era
For many evangelicals, Dobson’s death marks the end of an era. His influence stretched across airwaves, pulpits, and living rooms, helping to define what family and faith meant for millions of Americans in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
His voice may have gone silent, but the echoes of his message — the call to protect, nurture, and cherish the family as God’s gift — will endure long beyond his 89 years.
“The family is where life begins and love never ends,” he once said. In the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson, those words now feel like both testimony and farewell.