Jim Bakker, the American televangelist who built a multimillion-dollar Christian broadcasting empire before becoming embroiled in sex and financial scandals, has died at the age of 86.
Bakker died on Monday, October 5, 2026, his second wife, Lori Bakker, announced. She described him as a pioneer of Christian television but did not disclose the cause of death.
Bakker rose to national prominence alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, through their popular television programme, “The PTL Club.” At its peak, the ministry reportedly reached millions of viewers and included the Heritage USA Christian theme park in South Carolina.
His career collapsed in the late 1980s after a sexual scandal and investigations into the finances of his ministry. He was later convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to prison. His marriage to Tammy Faye ended while he was incarcerated.
After his release from prison, Bakker remarried Lori and returned to Christian broadcasting. In 2003, they launched “The Jim Bakker Show,” which continued until his death.
Bakker also faced controversy in 2021 after settling a lawsuit over claims that a product he promoted could cure COVID-19. The settlement required $156,000 in refunds to customers and contributors.
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