Dr. James C. Dobson, a pioneering Christian psychologist, author, radio broadcaster, and one of the most influential Christian leaders of the past 50 years, passed away earlier today at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped familes’ faith and an indelible imprint on the culture for generations.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson first pursued a career in psychology, serving as associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. But a deep concern over the breakdown of the traditional family led him to leave academia in 1977 and open a modest two-room office in Pomona that he called Focus on the Family. From its humble beginnings, Focus on the Family grew into a global multimedia nonprofit reaching roughly 18 million people across more than 98 countries through radio, video, digital, and print resources that continue to guide parents and encourage marriages today.
“Dr. Dobson’s legacy is in the people he touched and the families he helped,” said Focus on the Family President Jim Daly. “Millions of marriages were saved and strengthened, millions of parents were able to raise happier, healthier children, and millions of men and women were equipped and encouraged to stand boldly for their faith in the public square because Dr. Dobson answered God’s call.”
Through his more than 30 books — including bestsellers Dare to Discipline, Bringing Up Boys, and Love Must Be Tough — Dobson gave voice to the struggles of everyday families and offered timeless wisdom rooted in Scripture. His daily Focus on the Family radio broadcasts aired on more than 4,000 stations across North America and were translated into 27 different languages for 160 countries — becoming a lifeline for those seeking practical, Christ-centered guidance.
Beyond the airwaves and the written word, Dobson played key roles across several presidential administrations, including leading the national conversations on family policy, pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention, and the sanctity of human life.
“Dr. Dobson gave Focus on the Family a strong foundation,” Daly said. “He was a visionary who modeled the importance of strengthening families, promoting biblical values in the culture, protecting preborn life, and reaching out to hurting people with the love of Christ.”
In 2003, Dobson stepped down as president of Focus on the Family and gave the reins to Daly, his handpicked successor. After leaving as chairman of the board in February 2009 and stepping further away as the primary voice for the daily radio show February 2010, Dobson founded the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and another radio show called Family Talk.
Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their two adult children, Danae and Ryan; and two grandchildren. His family, ministry colleagues, and millions of grateful supporters remember him not only as a leader, but as a mentor, counselor, and friend who always pointed people to Christ.
