Former televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a massive television broadcast empire before his ministry crumbled amid high-profile financial fraud and s*xual misconduct scandals, died Monday, October 6, 2026, at the age of 86. His wife, Lori Bakker, confirmed his death on his official television program’s social media channels, though she did not disclose a specific cause of death or location. Bakker had previously suffered a mild stroke in 2020 while residing near Branson, Missouri.
Bakker rose to national prominence as a pioneer of Christian television. During the 1970s and 1980s, he and his late first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, established “The PTL Club” network, which attracted up to 13 million daily viewers and generated over $100 million in annual revenue. Operating from Fort Mill, South Carolina, the ministry funded Heritage USA, a sprawling 2,500-acre Christian theme park and residential resort complex that drew millions of visitors.
Rise and Fall of the PTL Empire
After meeting at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Jim and Tammy Faye married in 1961. They gained national exposure in 1965 by developing a puppet show for evangelist Pat Robertson’s fledgling television program. In 1974, Jim Bakker founded the PTL organization-standing for “Praise The Lord” or “People That Love”-and turned it into a massive media juggernaut.
However, the lavish lifestyle funded by the ministry’s donations soon drew intense public scrutiny. In 1987, allegations surfaced that Bakker had paid church secretary Jessica Hahn hush money following an alleged s*xual encounter in a Florida hotel room-an encounter Bakker maintained was consensual. The revelation triggered a massive crisis, leading to his dismissal from the Assemblies of God denomination for conduct unbecoming a minister.
The scandal deepened when federal investigations uncovered widespread financial abuses involving the sale of “lifetime partnerships” for hotel rooms at Heritage USA that were oversold. In 1989, Heritage USA collapsed and filed for bankruptcy. Shortly after, a federal jury convicted Bakker on 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy.
Prison Sentence and Later Years
Bakker was initially sentenced to 45 years in prison, a punishment that sent shockwaves through the evangelical community. His sentence was later vacated on appeal, and after being resentenced, he ultimately served nearly five years behind bars before being paroled in 1994.
While Bakker was incarcerated, Tammy Faye divorced him in 1992. Tammy Faye later married real estate developer Roe Messner and passed away from cancer in 2007 at the age of 65.
Following his release from prison, Bakker attempted to rebuild his ministry life. In 1998, he married Lori Graham, and together they launched “The Jim Bakker Show,” returning to Christian television with a focus on end-times prophecy and survivalist culture.
Legacy and Final Days
In announcing his death, Lori Bakker highlighted his six decades in religious media, despite the controversies that shadowed his career. “For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” she wrote on social media. “He was a pioneer of Christian television, but to me, he was my husband, my best friend, and the man I was honored to walk beside through so many seasons of life and ministry.”
She added that Bakker remained devoted to his broadcast work until his final days. “Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world,” she wrote, asking for privacy and prayers for the family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Bakker
When did Jim Bakker die and how old was he?
Jim Bakker died on October 6, 2026, at the age of 86. His wife, Lori Bakker, confirmed his passing.
What was Jim Bakker best known for?
Bakker was best known as a pioneer of Christian television who, alongside his first wife Tammy Faye, founded “The PTL Club” and the Heritage USA Christian theme park in South Carolina during the 1970s and 1980s.
Why did Jim Bakker go to prison?
In 1989, Bakker was convicted on 24 federal counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the fundraising practices and sale of lifetime partnerships at Heritage USA. He served nearly five years in federal prison.
Who were Jim Bakker’s wives?
Jim Bakker was married twice. He was married to his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, from 1961 until their divorce in 1992. He married his second wife, Lori Graham, in 1998 and remained married to her until his death.
What happened to Heritage USA?
Heritage USA, the 2,500-acre Christian theme park and resort in Fort Mill, South Carolina, collapsed financially and closed in 1989 following Bakker’s legal and financial scandals.
