Few voices have spoken more clearly or consistently into the heart of the Christian home than Dr. James Dobson. Across decades of radio broadcasts, books, and public witness, he encouraged parents, strengthened marriages, and reminded believers that family is a gift entrusted by God.
On August 21, 2025, Dr. Dobson entered his eternal rest at the age of 89. While we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the extraordinary influence of his life and ministry.
“James Dobson inspired Christians from every walk of life to pursue excellence in family life and used his influence to highlight some of the most significant cultural issues impacting the family,” said Troy A. Miller, NRB president & CEO. “Most importantly, he equipped countless believers to build godly marriages, strong families, and lasting legacies. His profound vision and the organizations he founded will continue to shape generations to come.”
Dobson was the founder, and most recently, chairman emeritus of Focus on the Family, a non-profit, multimedia foundation with a global reach aimed at affirming the institution of the family and proclaiming biblical truth. The first Focus on the Family broadcast, “Let’s Get Acquainted,” aired on March 26, 1977 on 40 radio stations. In 2004, Dr. Dobson also founded Focus on the Family Action, which eventually became Family Policy Alliance.
A prolific author and broadcaster, Dobson’s programs and messages on Christian parenting and family life grew to reach a huge audience, spanning over 1,300 radio outlets. He was the author of more than 70 books aimed at preserving and uplifting the family. His work drew upon significant clinical and academic expertise, having served for 14 years as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the esteemed University of Southern California School of Medicine and for 17 years on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
He was actively engaged in governmental affairs, providing counsel to five U.S. presidents on family-related matters and serving on eight commissions. He was inducted into The National Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 2010, Dobson founded Family Talk, now known as the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), an organization devoted to preserving biblical principles in the institutions of marriage and family through broadcasts, training, and advocacy.
An NRB member since 2011, Dobson was on the President’s Council from 2016–2017 and is the recipient of the 2022 Board of Directors award. In 1991, Dobson was inducted into the NRB Hall of Fame, NRB’s most prestigious award presented to an individual NRB member for invaluable contributions to the field of Christian communications, exhibition of the highest standards of excellence, and evidence of faithfulness to Christ. Focus on the Family has been an NRB member since 1983. The organization is a recipient of numerous NRB awards and recognitions.
Click here to read the official release from the Dr. James Dobson Family institute.
NRB joins countless Christians in expressing gratitude for Dr. Dobson’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel and to the family. His words shaped not only households, but also the broader Christian media community, where his vision opened doors for many others to follow.