by Jorge Gomez • 3 minutes
This week, First Liberty lost a dear friend and America lost one of its most influential Christian leaders.
On Thursday, Dr. James Dobson passed away at age 89. Dr. Dobson leaves behind a monumental legacy and will forever be remembered as a tireless advocate for marriage, family values and the sanctity of human life. His impact endures through the unshakable faith he proclaimed, the many lives he touched, and the countless families he inspired to build their lives on the foundation of God’s Word.
Dr. Dobson was also very influential in the fight for religious freedom. He helped establish several organizations whose mission is to protect and advance religious liberty. Without his mentorship and leadership, it is likely that First Liberty and many of our friends in this battle would not exist today.
“Dr. Dobson is a hero, a legend and a friend. I will miss him dearly,” said First Liberty President & CEO Kelly Shackelford. “What he did for so many families has changed lives forever. His legacy and life will never be forgotten.”
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 our country.
“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 at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. “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.”
Dr. Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, creating one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world. His daily broadcasts were heard on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries.
Following his departure from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dr. Dobson launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, continuing his mission through Family Talk, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast offering timeless counsel for families. It is broadcast on over 1,500 radio outlets and heard by over half-a-million people each week.
Left to right: First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys, First Liberty President & CEO Kelly Shackelford, Dr. James Dobson
Kelly was a frequent guest on Dr. Dobson’s radio program, where they discussed the battle for religious freedom in the courts and in the culture. Kelly appeared on Family Talk earlier this month, sharing with listeners about landmark Supreme Court victories, current legal battles and why we’re witnessing a divine movement in religious liberty.
Beyond media, Dr. Dobson was also a public servant, advising multiple U.S. administrations on family policy, juvenile justice, and child welfare. He played key roles in presidential commissions, with appointments by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He was instrumental in shaping national conversations around pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention and life.
He served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, a group of prominent faith leaders assembled in 2016 to provide counsel on issues important to evangelicals.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Dobson was the son, grandson and great-grandson of ministers. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura and two grandchildren.
Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your dedication, leadership and for the lasting impact that you made in our country. At First Liberty Institute, you will always be cherished and remembered.
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