Famous Christian leader Dr. James Dobson died Thursday at age 89.
His team issued a lengthy statement on his official website confirming his death.
They referred to Dobson as “one of the most influential Christian leaders of the last half-century” and “a tireless advocate for the traditional family.” His team hailed his many accomplishments, highlighting that he was “[a] psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, a Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster, and advisor to five U.S. presidents.”
“Dr. Dobson dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values by championing the central role of family in America,” the statement read.
LOUISVILLE, KY – APRIL 24: Dr. James Dobson speaks at Highview Baptist Church during the Justice Sunday nationwide simulcast April 24, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. Republicans are fighting to ban filibusters, which democrats have used to block some of President George W. Bush’s judicial nominees whom he also nominated in his last term. (Photo by Mike Simons/Getty Images)
Dobson was appointed to presidential commissions by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and he served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer—a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, Gary Bauer, said in the statement. (RELATED: Retired Judge Frank Caprio From ‘Caught In Providence’ Dead At 88)
“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,” he continued.
WASHINGTON – MAY 03: U.S. President George W. Bush (R) bows his head in prayer with Shirley Dobson (C) and Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, during the National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House May 3, 2007 in Washington, DC. The program included prayers and meditations from Christian and Jewish leaders and a performance by the US Army Chorus. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, which became one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world, according to his team’s statement.
His unmistakable voice was heard “on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries,” the statement added.
Dr. Dobson launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) and continued to spread his faith through Family Talk, “a nationally syndicated radio broadcast offering timeless counsel for today’s families,” the statement read. The radio program drew an audience of more than half a million people each week.
PHILADELPHIA – JANUARY 8: Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, gestures while speaking at the Justice Sunday III rally on January 8, 2006 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Family Research Council, the rally was held one day before the start of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)
He played key roles in presidential commissions and tackled conversations surrounding pornography, teen pregnancy prevention and gambling. He penned more than 70 books dedicated to his faith and the family, his team noted.
“Dr. Dobson’s voice not only influenced policy but also gave hope to millions seeking practical, faith-based wisdom for their homes. His legacy lives on through the innumerable families he inspired to build their lives on the foundation of Scripture,” the statement continued.
He is survived by his 64-year-old wife Shirley, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura and two grandchildren.
“Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed,” the statement read.