Dobson founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family and was long a campaigner against abortion and gay rights.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dr. James Dobson, a notable child psychologist who established a radio program to counsel Christians on effective parenting, founded the conservative organization Focus on the Family, and spent years campaigning against abortion and gay rights, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89.
His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
Dobson started Focus on the Family in 1977, a ministry that grew to over 1,000 employees at its height. It provided Dobson with a platform to influence legislation, participate in White House panels, and oppose laws banning conversion therapy meant to “cure” homosexuality.
He served on President Donald Trump ’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
In 2010, Dobson departed from Focus on the Family to establish his namesake institute, continuing his broadcasting with the nationally aired Family Talk radio show, which reaches more than half a million listeners weekly through 1,500 radio outlets, as reported by the institute.
“Dr. Dobson’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the families he fortified, and the steadfast faith he shared,” his family remarked in a statement about his passing.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson is survived by Shirley, his wife of 64 years, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren, according to his family’s statement.
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