Evangelical world loses influential speaker and author James Dobson, who advised Presidents Reagan, Trump and Bush 

James Dobson, a leading voice for the family and traditional values over the last 50 years, has died. He was 89.

An evangelical Christian and founder of Focus on the Family, Dobson advised presidents, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, and wielded influence in politics. 

A former child and family psychologist and professor at the University of Southern California, Dobson launched a radio program in 1977 to address attacks on the traditional nuclear family and Christian values. The ministry quickly grew into a major publisher of Christian books, programs and podcasts. 

“He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to millions of listeners and readers around the world,” Jim Daly, current president of Focus on the Family, said on a memorial website set up in Dobson’s honor. “Dr. Dobson’s presence will be sorely missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is now joyfully in the presence of the God he served.” 

After years of public speaking, Dobson became increasingly involved in politics, founding groups such as the Family Research Council, which established chapters nationwide and in Washington, D.C., to influence policy.

Dobson’s rise coincided with Reagan’s presidency, and he became a key voice for evangelical voters. He influenced Reagan, George W. Bush and Trump directly through appointments to religious boards and commissions, as well as private counsel. He was an early backer of Trump in 2016, helping him gain evangelical support.

Dobson also sought to sway other presidents by rallying Christians to support or oppose their policies, particularly those of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. He was a vocal opponent of abortion, gay marriage and the LGBTQ agenda. 

“Our only hope as a nation is to return to the scriptural underpinnings on which our laws, our understanding of morality, and the institution of the family are based,” he wrote in 1988. 

A prolific author of more than 50 books, Dobson’s classics such as Dare to Discipline and The Strong-Willed Child have influenced generations of parents.

In his 2004 book Marriage Under Fire, he wrote: “The institution of marriage represents the very foundation of human social order. Everything of value sits on that base … When it is weakened or undermined, the entire superstructure begins to wobble.” 

Dobson and his organization were early backers of homeschooling, advocating it as a way to promote biblical values, build family unity and shield children from negative peer pressure. 

He also supported Christian schools, particularly for families unable to homeschool but still seeking faith-based education and discipleship for their children.

“Those who control what young people are taught, and what they experience, what they see, hear, think and believe will determine the future course for the nation,” he said in a radio broadcast. 

Dobson is survived by his wife, Shirley, their two children and the ministries he founded, including the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Focus on the Family is also located.