BRANSON, Mo. — Jim Bakker, the longtime minister and broadcaster who helped shape Christian television through The PTL Club and later The Jim Bakker Show, died Monday, October 5. He was 86.
His wife, Lori Bakker, announced his death in a statement shared through The Jim Bakker Show. She said her husband devoted 66 years to preaching the Gospel and remembered him as a pioneer in Christian television, her best friend and the man she was honored to walk alongside through many seasons of life and ministry.
Bakker rose to national prominence during the 1970s and 1980s as co-host of The PTL Club with his former wife, Tammy Faye Bakker. The program became one of the country’s most widely recognized Christian television broadcasts.
He later returned to faith-based broadcasting with Lori Bakker through The Jim Bakker Show, which continued his ministry from Missouri.
A cause of death was not announced. His family has requested prayer and privacy as they grieve.
Good News Now extends its condolences to Lori Bakker, the Bakker family and those mourning his death.