James Dobson, a prominent minister and child psychologist who significantly shaped the landscape of Christian conservatism in the United States, has passed away at the age of 89. His death was announced on August 21, 2025, by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, though the cause was not specified.
Dobson, who founded Focus on the Family in the late 1970s, was a key figure in evangelical circles, advising five U.S. presidents throughout his career. His influence extended through a weekly radio program that, at its peak, reached audiences via 1,500 stations across the country.
Legacy of Advocacy and Controversy
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pasadena College in 1958, followed by a master’s from the University of Southern California. He completed his doctorate in child development in 1967, after spending several years as a teacher and counselor in California high schools.
His experience in family counseling during the 1960s alarmed him, particularly regarding the changing social norms he observed. This concern led him to publish Dare to Discipline, a controversial child-rearing manual advocating corporal punishment, which positioned him as a counter to the more liberal views of child-rearing advocated by Dr. Benjamin Spock.
Throughout his career, Dobson was vocal in his opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and other social issues. He often criticized what he viewed as the moral decline of society. His organization, while officially nonpolitical, became synonymous with conservative Christian advocacy, generating approximately $140 million over three decades through various media, including radio shows, magazines, and films.
Reflections from Colleagues and Supporters
In a statement following his passing, Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, expressed profound sorrow. “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,” Daly remarked, highlighting Dobson’s role as a compassionate figure in the lives of many.
Former Vice President Mike Pence also paid tribute, calling Dobson “one of our Nation’s greatest champions of faith and the American family.” Pence emphasized the unparalleled legacy Dobson leaves behind in defending Christian values and family freedoms.
Dobson’s impact on American society through his evangelical work and psychological insights has left a lasting imprint on the culture of conservative Christianity. His contributions to family advocacy and child psychology will continue to influence discussions about parenting and social values in the years to come.