Jim Bakker Dies At 86: Cause Of Death, Wife, Family, Career And The Rise And Fall Of The Televangelist

Jim Bakker, the televangelist who built a multimillion-dollar Christian broadcasting empire with his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, has died at the age of 86. Bakker died on October 5, 2026, his second wife, Lori Bakker, announced in a statement shared on his social media accounts. She described him as her husband and best friend and praised his decades of work in Christian television. However, Lori did not disclose where he died or reveal a cause of death.

Bakker rose to national fame through The PTL Club, which he launched with Tammy Faye and eventually turned into a huge television ministry. At its height, the program reportedly reached as many as 13 million viewers a night, while the couple’s wider ministry included the Heritage USA Christian theme park in South Carolina.

His career later collapsed amid an alleged sex scandal and a major financial fraud case that resulted in a federal conviction and prison sentence.

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Here is a look at Jim Bakker’s life, career, wives, children, controversies and what is known about his death.

What Was Jim Bakker’s Cause Of Death?

Jim Bakker’s cause of death has not been disclosed. His wife Lori announced his death on October 5, writing that he had “gone home to be with the Lord” and asking for prayers and privacy as the family grieved. Neither she nor the family provided details about his final illness or the circumstances surrounding his death.

Bakker had previously suffered a stroke in 2020. However, there is currently no indication from his family that the stroke was connected to his death in 2026, so it should not be described as his cause of death.

Who Was Jim Bakker?

James Orson Bakker was born on January 2, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan. He later attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, where he met Tammy Faye LaValley. The two married in 1961 and began working together in Christian ministry. Bakker preached while Tammy Faye sang and performed, and the couple eventually moved into television.

Their first major television opportunity came through televangelist Pat Robertson. In the 1960s, the couple developed a children’s program for Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network. Bakker later became associated with The 700 Club before leaving CBN and building his own ministry.

In 1974, Bakker and Tammy Faye launched the PTL Satellite Network and The PTL Club. The initials stood for “Praise The Lord,” and the program became the centre of their growing Christian media empire.

How Did Jim Bakker Build The PTL Empire?