Dr. James Dobson, who was considered at one time the most influential evangelical leader in the United States has passed away. Dr. Dobson died at the age of 89. As a Christian psychologist, he served as an adviser to five U.S. presidents, including President Trump in 2016. Fox News reported more information on Dobson’s death: Dr. James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family Christian ministry and former advisor to five U.S. presidents, has died at 89. Dobson, a psychologist widely regarded as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the past half-century, passed away Thursday morning, the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) announced. “Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family, and culture,” said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the JDFI. “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 strengthening marriages, guiding parents and defending biblical values by championing the central role of family in America. He founded Focus on the Family in Arcadia, California, in 1977 and grew it into one of the largest evangelical ministries in the world. The organization later relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991, which remains its headquarters today. Tributes came puring in: Today, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Dr. James C. Dobson. He went home to be with the Lord peacefully, following a brief illness. Dr. Dobson’s unwavering faith and tireless devotion to the family shaped generations. pic.twitter.com/DKzaOVsEJS — Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (@DrJamesDobsonFT) August 21, 2025 Our prayers are with the family of Dr. James Dobson, who went home to be with his Savior today after a brief illness. Dr. Dobson was a staunch defender of the family and stood for morality and Biblical values as much as any person in our country’s history. For nearly five… pic.twitter.com/I8QuP8Y1EQ — Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 21, 2025 It has been one of the great honors of my life to know Dr. James Dobson. What a hero! He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for God’s purposes. He has finished the race — to God’s glory! Hallelujah! May we all follow in his footsteps. Praise the LORD! pic.twitter.com/4K7G7nD93N — Eric Metaxas (@ericmetaxas) August 21, 2025 Candy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Dr. James Dobson. He was a faithful servant of God whose life’s work strengthened families and pointed countless souls toward Christ. We will always cherish his friendship, wisdom, and unwavering courage in… https://t.co/iYu5vJA5Dx — Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) August 21, 2025 The Hill reported more on Dobson’s legacy: Dr. James Dobson, a child psychologist and minister who became one of the most influential figures in America’s Christian conservative movement, has died at 89. Dobson founded the influential Focus on the Family evangelical group in the 1970s, advised five presidents and hosted a weekly radio show that was broadcast by 1,500 stations with half a million listeners at its peak. “Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” Gary Bauer of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute said in a statement Thursday. “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 started Focus on the Family in 1977, growing it into a key voice among conservative leaders. He served on the 2016 Trump campaign’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, despite initially backing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)’s bid for the GOP nomination. A 2005 article in The New York Times dubbed Dobson “the nation’s most influential evangelical leader,” as he discussed his willingness to engage in the political realm and beyond the pulpit or airwaves.