American televangelist Jim Bakker, who built one of the country’s most prominent Christian television ministries before becoming embroiled in sex and financial scandals, has died at the age of 86.
Bakker died on October 5, 2026, according to his second wife, Lori Bakker. She announced his death through his official social media account but did not disclose the cause or location of his death.
Bakker rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, through their television programme, The PTL Club. At its peak, the programme attracted millions of viewers and generated substantial revenue for their ministry.
The couple also developed Heritage USA, a Christian-themed resort and entertainment complex in South Carolina that became a major part of their religious empire.
His career collapsed in 1987 after Bakker admitted to a sexual encounter with church secretary Jessica Hahn. The scandal was followed by investigations into PTL’s finances.
In 1989, Bakker was convicted of fraud after prosecutors accused him of misleading followers over the sale of vacation packages at Heritage USA. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison, although the sentence was later reduced, and he ultimately spent about four and a half years behind bars.
After his release in 1994, Bakker returned to Christian broadcasting. He married Lori in 1998 and launched The Jim Bakker Show in 2003.
His later years remained controversial, including a legal dispute over claims made about a product marketed as a treatment for COVID-19.
Lori Bakker described her husband as “a pioneer of Christian television” and said he remained committed to his ministry and supporters.
