I was saddened to hear the news, but I’m really comforted by the truth of God’s Word that my dear “Papa Dobson” has slept in the LORD. Even though I never met him physically on earth, we will joyfully meet in heaven. I have loved and followed him since I was a teenager, listening to him, reading his books and materials. I remember my joy when I found “Family Man” in a bookstore. I could not afford it at the time, but I kept going back until I finally bought it and read it with delight. For years, Focus on the Family has been my “go-to” for Bible-based answers on everything family life. I started reading his books on parenting even before I became a mother. I have also introduced many friends and loved ones. May our good LORD strengthen and comfort Shirley, their children, grandchildren, and countless followers all over the world. I also pray that his legacy and impact will continue to transform lives for generations to come in Jesus’ name.

Temidayo

I lost a grandfather, father figure, mentor, and friend this week. The passing of Dr. James Dobson leaves a painful void in my life. I have listened to him since I was a child in the ’80s and ’90s. The realization of his impact in my life brings me to tears. I’ve been exposed to countless godly men and women on Family Talk that have shaped who I am as a follower of Jesus. Just this year, I was exposed to the ministry of Henry Blackaby that led me to his book Experiencing God. God has used that book to bring me back to his heart and surrender once again to his call on my life for the work of the ministry.

Evan

Dr. Dobson and Mrs. Dobson both helped me survive some very, very hard years of dealing with my abusive father, mother, family, and very abusive church with his radio shows and books and with her love, help, books, and support. I will always remember them both fondly with love and with great appreciation. Dr. Dobson lived what he preached, and Shirley has also. Praying for Shirley and the family. God bless them all always. I will always love them both and appreciate them both for all they gave and shared. In Jesus always, Nancy

Nancy

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Back in the mid-eighties, as a brand new Christian, Dr. Dobson was instrumental in helping me raise my 3 young children. And when there was infidelity in my marriage, it was the encouragement from Focus on the Family programming on infidelity that gave me hope to get through it. This Sunday (8-24-25) we will celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary. I am forever indebted to Dr. Dobson for his faithful ministry to me and thousands of other families over the years. I look forward to meeting him in heaven.

Christine

In 1980, when our older son was in his second year, we read Dare to Discipline. An important parenting lesson we held onto from this book was “Shaping the Will Without Breaking the Spirit.” We even wrote it down and hung it up in our kitchen! That little boy is now 47 years old, and his will was shaped with love and consistency and a life of following God. Thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Dobson for the years of leading parents (us) in a godly direction. God bless you, Shirley. Your example of a loving and faithful wife has been a blessing to many.

Barbara

My parents raised me on the Bible and Dr. Dobson’s teachings. I thank God for this godly and wise man who followed God’s truth without wavering. I pray for comfort and strength for his wife and family. I know with certainty they will see their loved one again. Thank you for allowing Dr. Dobson to do the work the Lord wanted him to do. I know at times it wasn’t easy at all. It never is with someone who is blessing the world with their presence. God has told our beloved Dr. Dobson those beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Noelle

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for pouring into my life the many beautiful messages and topics you covered. I have listened to you and your programs here in South Africa since I was a teen, and I continue to listen to Focus on the Family, as the impact of the stories and programs are huge. I will miss the wisdom, great guidance, and honest authentic ways you and your guests shared. Listening to you was like having a grandfather share the wealth of experience and knowledge with his children – right at my bedside. Your absence will be felt, but now you glorify your Maker, and you are seeing Him face to face. What a glorious thought! Amen and amen.

Bronwen

It was with great sadness that I woke yesterday to the news of Dr. Dobson‘s passing. I honestly can’t remember a day when I didn’t hear his voice, either through Focus on the Family or later on Family Talk. As a young wife and mother, he gave me the confidence, courage, and guidance I needed to raise my children. Later in life, when I faced the trauma of an unexpected divorce, I clung to his wisdom daily as I raised my three girls alone. As I look back on these years, I am forever grateful for his consistency, his wisdom, his honesty, and the trust that he built with his listeners through the life he lived out daily and the way he challenged us to keep living for Christ. His legacy will live on in each of us – our children and their children – as we follow his call to finish strong. Dr. Dobson, thank you for being an example of the dad I never had . . . of what it means to walk with character and integrity and to fight the good fight to which God called you. Thank you to your family for supporting you all these years. Praying for each of them as they grieve such a great loss and live out the legacy you have left them.

Deanna

I never met Dr. Dobson in person, yet he was and will continue to be the most influential person in my life. As a divorced single mom 31 years ago, I was struggling with how to raise my little girl. After reading Dare to Discipline, I felt I had an ally. As my daughter grew, we would go for long drives, listening to Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey. Through all my life, God used this precious man to encourage me through some pretty dark times. I am now happily married to a great man, and my daughter is a Christian and a very accomplished, unspoiled young lady. Thank you, Shirley, Ryan, and Danae, for sharing him with us. He will be so missed.

Christy