Tributes

We invite you to celebrate the life of Dr. James C. Dobson by sharing your thoughts and memories here.

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This page will display the words of people from around the world who have been impacted by the life and ministry of Dr. James Dobson.

You may also leave your tribute by calling 844-823-2669.

Recent Tributes

After my first child was born (and I was a new Christian), I listened to Dr. Dobson almost every day for nearly 10 years. I was able to learn so much about the Christian faith and about parenting. I was able to find help for all the things coming against me as a mother, against our children, and against our family during the ’90s and 2000s. I found a source that could help me make sense of all the terrible things that were happening in our country, in California, in the schools, in the media, the movies, the culture, and in our communities. I received his monthly newsletter. I remember one of the most profound moments was when I received a newsletter explaining multiculturalism. I read so many of his books. The most helpful one was Dare to Discipline. I’m now reading one of his marriage books. I found a father that I never had in Dr. Dobson, as well as a teacher and a counselor. My oldest daughter is now married with two young children. I loved turning her on to Dr. Dobson, his books, and his Instagram page! I am grateful that Dr. Dobson lived so long.

Martha

I love Dr. James Dobson! I would listen to him on the radio every day as I was raising our three children. I learned so much from him – from how to be a great mom to loving Jesus! Our 3 kids grew up loving God and are now raising our 12 grandkids to follow Jesus. Thank you, and again I say thank you, for all you did for me and my family! Jodee Taylor

Jodee

I must have found and listened to Focus on the Family M-F circa 1981: a lifeline between earth, where I lived in a challenging marriage to a non-believing cardiologist husband with two little ones whose lives depended on my “getting it right,” and heaven. Between FOTF and the Minirth Meier Clinic, I learned about healthy – and sick – relationships, hope for the future, and the strength to carry out responsibilities by exercising faith while engaging in the activities of daily living. It was the worst of times and the best of times, because FOTF taught me to pray, trust, and obey my Father in heaven, understanding He was the source from which our lives would flow. FOTF, in so many ways, was the beginning of a glorious journey of finding, loving, and following Jesus! News of Dr. Dobson’s death took my breath away, then filled my heart with song when I realized he’d made it safely “home.” Praise be to God for a life lived well to the very end!

Carole

I was introduced to Dr. James Dobson by my pediatrician when my first son was just a toddler. He was very rowdy in the doctor’s office, and the doctor told me about Dr. Dobson’s book, The Strong-Willed Child. He told me to get it, read it, and then do what it says. I did get that book, I did read it, and I did my best to do what it said. After that, I bought many of his other books and read them and tried hard to follow his advice. I shared the information in those books with other parents and encouraged them to read them as well. Thanks to Dr. Dobson for his insight and his Christian faith and witness. I had a lot of respect for him and his advice. He was a great example. I praise God that I heard about him, and I wish I could have met him in person. Love and prayers for the Dobson family.

Loretta

Sending my condolences to the family. Dr. Dobson was such a help to me as I got married and had kids. I am so grateful for all his work. I have many of his books and will continue to read them and grow in Christ. My daughter, Timber Rose, went to heaven in 2024. I hope she was there to meet Dr. Dobson when he arrived. God bless your family. Love, Kathy

Kathy

“At this stage of your life, what is the main concern you have on your heart?” Dr. Dobson quietly asked my husband, Steve, when we were in his office before being interviewed on his Family Talk program. Steve, who had been a pastor of the same church for nearly two decades, immediately teared up as he responded, “I want to finish well.” Dr. Dobson reached out to shake Steve’s hand, while clasping their grip in his left hand. He replied, “Me too, me too.” Oh, what a joy to know that our beloved Dr. Dobson truly finished well on August 21, 2025, when he entered into the presence of our Savior and King. During our visit, I was also deeply moved when I saw, framed on the wall, legal-sized yellow tablet pages with Dr. Dobson’s handwritten manuscript for “Dare to Discipline.” Doc was delighted when I told him how this book had transformed my parenting and had been a guiding light for me as a young mother. His eyes lit up as he explained what inspired him to write this beloved book. And finally, Dr. Dobson has a portrait of Winston Churchill hanging at the entrance of his office. When my husband explained that Churchill was his distant cousin, the two men (both for whom I have the utmost admiration) began to discuss how Churchill’s war tactics are very much how we as Christians need to plan our fight against the enemy of our souls. Oh, yes, Dr. Dobson, you were ordained by God to hold the banner and train our generation how to guide our children toward loving and following Jesus. You, my friend, most certainly have finished well. Thank you for your service. Soli Deo Gloria. ~ Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda

Dr. Dobson was and is my hero. He was my spiritual father! I listened to him almost every single day on the radio when I was young, raising my kids, and even after that! I loved his programs, which were so godly and helped me so much. I was visiting a friend in Colorado 24 years ago. We were supposed to leave the next day, and my friend found out that Dr. Dobson was having a program in his studio. So, we changed our plans and went to see him, and I got to tell him that day how much I appreciated him. I said I wished that I would’ve done everything he’d said to do, and he so humbly said he wished that he would’ve done everything he’d said to do also. He also let us come back after the program was over, and we got to shake hands with him and have our picture taken with him. Getting to see Dr. Dobson is one of the biggest highlights of my life! I will never forget it, and it made me love him even more. Shirley, I am praying for you. I know you have lost your wonderful husband. But isn’t it wonderful that you will be able to see him again? And I will get to see you both in heaven! Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Dobson, for all you have done for the Lord and people! “Well done, good and faithful servant!” What a wonderful, godly man of the Lord he was! I have read every book that he ever wrote; I loved each one, and they all helped me so much!

Carol

I started listening to Dr. Dobson as a young new mother to find out how to care for my precious daughter. When I gave birth to twin boys, I was hooked – and stayed hooked for years. I had committed my life to the Lord at 9 years old, and I knew to depend on the teaching of someone like Dr. Dobson. I thank the Lord for good teaching, as I have 5 children serving the Lord some in ministry, others leading people to the Lord on the job, 23 grandchildren with the majority serving the Lord, and the others living good lives. I firmly believe in raising children in the way they should go so they will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). The 7 great-grandchildren are also serving the Lord. So at 85 years old, I now give out his books to young couples who are raising their families. Thanking the Lord for the wonderful life Dr. Dobson lived in serving others with such a precious spirit.

melody

From all of the Smith family to all of the Dobson family, please know that we are so sorry that you all are grieving the loss of your precious husband, father, and grandfather. From the inauguration of Focus on the Family and the transition to the Dobson Family Institute to this present time, our family has been blessed beyond measure by the various ministries, radio programs, books, and Adventures In Odyssey episodes! We have been ministry supporters over all these decades as well. Thank you for all the sacrifices your family made to bless our family! May the Holy Spirit’s comfort fill all your hearts. Most sincerely, Jim and Diana Smith, Phoenix, Arizona

JimandDiana

I have listened to Dr. Dobson on the radio and television all of my adult life. He has been an inspiration to me, and I thank God for his ministry. I have supported and still do support his work. Until we meet in glory, my friend. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Danny

I loved Dr. James Dobson on Focus on the Family and his later Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. His programs were both inspirational and educational, offering deeper insight into the Word of God and practical wisdom to apply it to everyday living. The stories and testimonials of thousands who shared on his program brought me hope so many times. When my two sons were young and still in high school, listening to the FOF 7:00 AM program on AFR was our morning family devotion time before school. We would listen to the program, discuss the truths we learned, and pray the prayer of faith from the topics discussed. Dr. Dobson’s life has been a blessing to my family’s life and to the body of Christ as a whole. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the lives of the millions of people he has touched. I pray God’s peace and comfort for the entire Dobson family and also extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for sharing your lives so unselfishly for the sake of the kingdom. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sincerely, Carolyn Ridley

CAROLYN

I celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson. Over the years, my life has been impacted positively by the content received from Focus on the Family. I believe God led me to read two books written by Dr. James Dobson (When God Doesn’t Make Sense and Love Must Be Tough). These books gave me wise counsel that guided me through the difficult seasons of my life. Forever grateful 🙏

Alice

Our fifty-one-year-old daughter, Christa, was born in 1974. Around that time, we came across ‘Focus on the Family.’ Since then we have listened to Dr. Dobson’s broadcasts regularly. His wisdom, biblical teaching, and Christian counseling have been vital to our child rearing and marriage stability. From his books, “Dare to Discipline” and many others, we have received a stream of helpful counsel over 50 years. From our vantage point, we believe Dr. and Mrs. Dobson have been a crucial, driving force causing our country to see the value of building strong, faith-based Christian families across our nation and the world. Whenever we contacted them for advice concerning serious family issues, such as suicide, marriage struggles, and child-training concerns, we received prompt personal responses and relevant pragmatic advice. Other than our church community, Dr. Dobson has been the best resource for our family. Bless you and thank you, Dr. Dobson and Mrs. Shirley Dobson. Sincerely, George and Vivien Cox

Vivien

Our condolences to Shirley and the family of Dr. Dobson! A great legacy of family learning “well done” and forwarded around the world. We thanked God every day for Dare to Discipline. Prayers and hugs, Tom and Martha

Dr. Thomas and Martha

Dr. Dobson was/is my hero. He helped me raise my kids as a single mom and new believer, and later he helped with our blended family. He helped us get started in opening a new pregnancy care center in upstate NY, sending us free materials to start. He encouraged us through the years with his conferences for EDs of centers. He loved on us and gave gifts, tools, and gifted speakers, but the greatest gift was encouragement. When I was feeling burned out and asking him when I should pass the baton to someone else, he said I could quit when he did. Well, he didn’t quit – he graduated. My husband and I are now missionaries in Uganda, and we started a pregnancy care center there along with feeding thousands and providing education and other medical services. It all started with what I learned from Dr. and Mrs. Dobson. His love for his family was an inspiration to so many. We loved Danae stories and the story of adopting Ryan. We loved when Ryan was the speaker at our banquet years later, showing up with a backpack and skateboard. Dr. Dobson may be in his new home, but his legacy lives on. Look forward to our reunion in Heaven along with a million or more whose lives were touched by his ministry, not to mention babies saved. Sending love to and prayers for the family.

Kathi & Rick

Dr. Dobson made a great impact on our marriage from the beginning through listening to the many wise things he shared. What a blessing He and his family are. May the wisdom God gave him continue on in the words he wrote and spoke. Blessings and prayers for his wife and family.

Kelly

Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family have truly been a great Christian influence in my life. Being born and raised in France, I never knew such a program could exist. As I found myself a single mom of 3 little girls in a foreign country, every word Dr. Dobson spoke and every teaching influenced me, encouraged me, strengthened me. I thank God for this great man of faith, for his love for Jesus, his commitment to the truth, and his love for God’s children. I pray for the Lord to comfort his beautiful wife and children. What a legacy! 1 Corinthians 11:1

Ghyslaine

My eyes welled up with tears as I turned on my TV to catch some news and saw a scrolling message announcing our dear Dr. Dobson’s death. Immediately, though, the words from Scripture, “well done, good and faithful servant,” washed over me. As a young mother, I was introduced to Dr. Dobson’s radio messages. I have read many of his numerous books. Dr. Dobson was and will always be that loving father figure I missed out on. My father was present physically but was unable to fill my emotional and spiritual needs due to his own traumas as a boy. I am 69 now, and over the years my husband and I did our best to apply as much of Dr. Dobson’s good wisdom in parenting and, first and foremost, in staying true to our Bible study and connection to our church – all this through Dr. Dobson’s many examples. Our two children and their spouses, plus our 4 grandsons, are part of that legacy that Dr. Dobson leaves, and I trust for their future generations. My prayers are with Dr. Dobson’s beloved wife, Shirley, and their family. Until we meet in Heaven, many new blessings!

Olivia

Dr. James Dobson was a great comfort to the world with his words about God’s love for humanity. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to his family during this tough time.

Dawn

I was blessed to have met Dr. Dobson in person when Focus took their first cruise to the Caribbean. I, like many others, raised my sons according to his wise advice. I actually used the Focus on the Family broadcast as part of my homeschooling curriculum. Our sons would listen to the broadcast and then summarize the program in writing. As a substitute teacher, I often recall the words of Dr. Dobson: “Anger doesn’t motivate, action does.” Thank you for this opportunity to share in the good memories of Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family.

Randy