Jim Bakker, Televangelist and PTL Founder, Dies at 86, Wife Lori Bakker Announces

Charisma Media Staff : Oct 6, 2026
Charisma Media

"...Jim loved people deeply. He loved this ministry, and he loved the friends and partners who stood with him throughout the years. Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world..." -Lori Bakker

[Charisma News] Televangelist Jim Bakker, a longtime Christian broadcaster and founder of the PTL television ministry, has died at 86, according to an announcement from his wife, Lori Bakker. (Image: Facebook via Charisma News)

The Jim Bakker Show announced his death Monday evening, sharing a statement from Lori Bakker about her husband's passing:

It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening.

For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a pioneer of Christian television, but to me, he was my husband, my best friend, and the man I was honored to walk beside through so many seasons of life and ministry.

Jim loved people deeply. He loved this ministry, and he loved the friends and partners who stood with him throughout the years. Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world.

Our family is grieving and we ask for your prayers and privacy during this time.

Jim finished his race with faith. His voice, his vision, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

— Lori Bakker

Bakker became one of the most recognizable figures in Christian television through "The PTL Club," which he launched with his former wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, in the 1970s.

Bakker would go on to host "The Jim Bakker Show" alongside Lori, where he continued discussing faith, Biblical prophecy and current events.

In her statement, Lori Bakker said her husband remained focused on ministry and spreading the Gospel even in his final days.

The family is asking for prayer and privacy as they grieve.

Additional details surrounding Bakker's death were not immediately announced. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Prepared by Charisma Media Staff