Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built faith empire before scandal, dies at 86

Controversial televangelist Jim Bakker, who established a prominent faith-based media empire before his public downfall, passed away on October 5, 2026, at the age of 86. His death was announced by his second wife, Lori Bakker, though the cause and location of his passing were not immediately disclosed. Bakker was a pioneer in Christian television, co-founding "The PTL Club" with his first wife, Tammy Faye, and developing the sprawling Heritage USA theme park in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Bakker's influential ministry collapsed in the late 1980s amidst a sex scandal involving a former church secretary and subsequent federal convictions for fraud and conspiracy related to his ministry's fundraising practices. He was found guilty of defrauding followers and ultimately served nearly five years in prison after his initial 45-year sentence was reduced. His first wife, Tammy Faye, divorced him while he was incarcerated.

After his release in 1994, Bakker eventually returned to televangelism with his second wife, Lori, launching "The Jim Bakker Show" in 2003. He had experienced a stroke in 2020, but continued his ministry until his death.