James Dobson, a notable figure in the realm of child psychology and a key voice for conservative Christian values, died on Thursday at the age of 89, as confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. He was widely recognized for founding Focus on the Family in 1977, an organization that peaked with over 1,000 employees and provided a platform for Dobson to influence legislation, advise governmental panels, and speak out against laws aimed at prohibiting conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Throughout the 1980s, Dobson became a significant advocate for integrating religious conservatives into mainstream politics, working alongside other fundamentalist leaders like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. His political engagement was notable, including his support on Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board years later. Although he stepped away from Focus on the Family in 2010, he continued to share his message through the Family Talk radio show, which maintained a broad audience of over half a million listeners weekly.
Dobson's family reflected on his enduring influence, highlighting the lives he impacted and the families he supported throughout his career. His legacy as a pioneer in the face of changing societal values was echoed by Gary Bauer from his institute, who recognized Dobson's contributions. Among numerous notable moments, he conducted an interview with notorious serial killer Ted Bundy just before Bundy's execution, during which Bundy attributed his violent behavior to exposure to pornography—an assertion that was later downplayed by his attorney.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1936, Dobson is survived by his wife Shirley, his children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and his two grandchildren, as stated by his family following his passing.
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