We Remember Dr. James Dobson

A note from Brett Ryan, Focus on the Family Australia CEO

It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, at the age of 89.

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, his influence on my life and family has been profound, long before I had the privilege of working for this ministry. Millions worldwide can also attest to his impact. He was a truly godly man, deeply committed to strengthening and defending the institution of the family.

As a child psychologist in the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Dobson became increasingly concerned about the breakdown of the traditional family and its negative effects on culture. He aired Focus on the Family’s first broadcast in 1977, and since then, the ministry has grown to have a worldwide impact, reaching approximately 18 million people in 98 countries in 13 offices around the world.  He authored over 30 books, including “The Strong-Willed Child,” “Dare to Discipline,” and “Love Must Be Tough.”

Focus on the Family Australia, was established in 1993 and we remain resolute in carrying out Dr. Dobson’s mission of helping families thrive in Christ. 

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 they navigate this difficult loss.

I am confident he will hear the words from Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

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

Colorado Springs, USA – 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 counsellor 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.