JUST IN: Beloved Former Trump Advisor Passes Away

Dr. James Dobson, who served as an advisor to five U.S. presidents and founded an influential evangelical organization, has passed away at the age of 89. Dobson, who is considered to be one of the most influential Christian leaders during the past half-century, died on Thursday morning, according to the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family, and culture,” Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the JDFI, said of the leader’s passing. “His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times.”

Dobson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1936 and went on to dedicate his life to encouraging faith, coaching parents, and championing the central role of family in America. He founded Focus on the Family in California in the 1970s and grew it into one of the largest evangelical ministries on earth. The organization later relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991, where it remains today.

When the organization was at the peak of its ministry under Dobson, its daily radio show could be heard on more than 4,000 stations across North America. These same broadcasts were translated into 27 different languages and distributed in over 160 countries. This made the program one of the most widely heard Christian radio shows across the world, Fox said.

After leaving the FOTF ministry in 2010, Dobson established the JDFI. It was designed to be a smaller in scope than FOTF, a more personal institute that carries on his mission to use broadcasting as a means of teaching gospel-centered values.

Dobson was also the author of more than 70 books, the vast majority of which were dedicated to helping people preserve their families. Some of his most beloved works include “The New Dare to Discipline” and “When God Doesn’t Make Sense.”

The Christian psychologist’s influence extended beyond being an influential figure in media and publishing. Dobson advised five U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. He was also a member of President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

Dobson’s work helped shape the cultural conversation concerning topics like pornography, gambling, and even teen pregnancy prevention, along with the sanctity of human life.

The influential Christian minister is survived by his bride of 64 years, Shirley, two children, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandkids.