Televangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Jim Bakker, the televangelist who built a vast evangelical broadcasting empire before being convicted of fraud and serving prison time, died on October 5 at age 86. Despite his controversial past and the collapse of his original ministry, he returned to Christian broadcasting in 2003 and remained active in his ministry until his death.

Jim Bakker, a prominent American televangelist known for building a major evangelical broadcasting empire before his career was derailed by scandal and legal troubles, died on October 5 at the age of 86. The announcement was made by his wife, Lori Bakker, via the official Instagram account of “The Jim Bakker Show.” The cause and location of his death were not disclosed.

Bakker gained national recognition in the 1970s and 1980s alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Messner. Together, they established the PTL (Praise The Lord or People That Love) ministry, which became a widely watched evangelical television program. Their ministry attracted millions of viewers and supporters, making them among the most recognizable figures in Christian media during that period. The couple originally met at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis and married in 1961. They gained early exposure through a puppet show developed for evangelist Pat Robertson’s television program.

Bakker’s religious empire expanded to include Heritage USA, a Christian-themed vacation park in South Carolina, which drew substantial investment from followers. However, his career unraveled in the late 1980s amid serious allegations and legal charges. In 1987, Bakker faced accusations of sexual misconduct from a former employee, Jessica Hahn, which he denied, describing the encounter as consensual. He was later removed from the Assemblies of God denomination for what the church termed “conduct unbecoming to a minister.”

In 1989, Bakker was convicted on 24 federal counts of fraud and conspiracy related to his fundraising activities, specifically involving the solicitation of $158 million for partnerships in Heritage USA. The sentencing included a 45-year prison term, which was subsequently reduced, resulting in Bakker serving nearly five years before his release.

The repercussions of the scandal led to the collapse of the PTL ministry, the end of its television program, and the closure of Heritage USA. During Bakker’s imprisonment, Tammy Faye divorced him and later remarried. She died in 2007.

After his release, Bakker returned to broadcasting in 2003 alongside his second wife, Lori, continuing to host “The Jim Bakker Show.” Lori characterized her husband as a devoted minister who dedicated 66 years to preaching the gospel and contributing to Christian television. She expressed that he remained committed to his ministry until his final days and described him as her husband and best friend.

Lori Bakker requested privacy for the family during their grieving process and emphasized that Jim Bakker’s influence and legacy within evangelical media would endure.

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