It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Focus on the Family’s founder, Dr. James C. Dobson, has passed away at the age of 89. Affectionately known by those who were close to him as “Doc,” he aired Focus on the Family’s first broadcast in 1977, beginning a long legacy of helping families. Since then, Focus on the Family has grown to have a global impact with 13 global offices. Focus on the Family Canada was the first one, established in 1983, and we have sought to faithfully carry out Dr. Dobson’s initial mission of preserving and protecting families.  

You can read more about Dr. Dobson’s impact in the press release below.  

Please join me in praying for his wife, Shirley, his two adult children and his two grandchildren, as well as the countless others who will be grieving his passing.  

I also want to remind you of the well-known verse, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” As believers, we hold onto this promise, especially in times of grief and loss, knowing this is not the end.  

Focus on the Family Founder Dr. James Dobson Dies at Age 89

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Focus on the Family founder and chairman emeritus James C. Dobson, Ph.D., died on August 21, 2025. He was 89.

“Dr. Dobson’s legacy is in the people he touched and the families he helped,” Focus on the Family President Jim Daly said. "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 to create Focus on the Family.

“We join the millions across America and the world in mourning his passing." 

Dobson’s ministry efforts grew out of his professional work as a licensed psychologist in California. Although he eventually became associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine, Dobson’s attention ultimately turned to the breakdown of the traditional family. His concern led him to leave USC and in 1977 open a small, two-room office he called Focus on the Family.

That small ministry grew to become a global multimedia nonprofit that reaches about 18 million people in more than 98 countries, thanks in part to its Radio Hall of Fame-winning flagship program, thirteen international offices and many radio, video, digital and print resources.

A licensed marriage, family and child counselor in both California and Colorado, Dr. Dobson authored more than 30 books, including the popular best-sellers Dare to Discipline, Love Must Be Tough and Bringing Up Boys. He was also involved in numerous governmental activities related to the welfare of the family.

Dobson served as president of Focus on the Family until 2003. The responsibilities of the ministry’s daily oversight eventually passed to Daly, Dobson’s handpicked successor. Dobson stayed as the board chairman until February 2009, and he served as the primary voice of the daily show until February 2010.

Dobson served as president of Family Talk, a Christian ministry he founded in 2010, and the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, which he established to preserve the legacy of his life’s works and promote the institution of the family. 

“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.

“Nothing brought him more joy than knowing the work he did here on earth helped so many into a relationship with the Lord that ensured their future in heaven. 

“With God’s help, we’ll continue to live out these principles through our ministry work for years to come.”

Dr. Dobson is survived by his wife, Shirley; his two adult children, Danae and Ryan; and his two grandchildren.

Focus on the Family’s deeper reflections on Dr. Dobson’s life and career can be found here.


About Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family, which reaches more than 18 million people in 98 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. We provide help and resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview.