James Dobson, a highly respected Christian leader who advised multiple US presidents, including Donald Trump, and championed the role of faith and family in American life, has died at the age of 89.

The Dr James Dobson Family Institute announced his passing on Thursday, praising him for “creating one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world”. No cause of death was given.

Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson trained as a child psychologist and began his career by helping families strengthen their relationships. In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, which grew into one of the most influential Christian organizations in the US. His popular daily radio program reached millions of listeners across thousands of stations, offering guidance on parenting, marriage, and living a life rooted in Christian values.

By the 1980s, Dobson was recognized as a central figure in bringing faith-based perspectives into public life. His folksy style, dedication to family values, and clear voice on moral issues earned him wide respect, particularly across the American heartland. At its peak, Focus on the Family employed more than 1,000 people and gave Dobson a strong platform to support legislation and advise five US presidents.

He stood alongside other leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson in encouraging Christians to take an active role in civic life. Though Focus on the Family, as a nonprofit, could not endorse candidates, Dobson consistently urged Americans of faith to vote for leaders who upheld values like protecting the unborn and strengthening the traditional family.

Decades later, Dobson continued his work by joining a board of evangelical leaders advising Donald Trump during the 2016 election. He supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns, particularly celebrating Trump’s judicial appointments that paved the way for the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

“Whether you like Donald Trump or not, if you support the Dobbs decision that struck down Roe v. Wade, you have to mention in the same breath the man who made it possible,” Dobson said in a broadcast at the time, acknowledging the importance of Trump’s role.

Throughout his decades of ministry, Dobson consistently defended the sanctity of life, promoted strong marriages, and encouraged parents to raise children with discipline, love, and faith. He remained a tireless advocate for what he saw as the foundation of a healthy society — strong families grounded in Christian teaching.