Televangelist Jim Bakker has died at the age of 86, his wife Lori Bakker has announced. He died on Monday evening after a career spanning 66 years of preaching and television ministry.
Lori Bakker described him as her husband and best friend, saying his heart remained with the ministry and its supporters during his final days. She asked for prayers and privacy as the family grieves.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Bakker rose to prominence in the 1970s as co-host of The PTL Club, which he launched with his then-wife Tammy Faye Bakker. The couple also founded Heritage USA, a Christian theme park in South Carolina.
Their television and ministry operation collapsed in the late 1980s amid a sex and money scandal. Bakker was convicted of fraud and conspiracy after misusing ministry funds and selling “lifetime memberships” to a hotel that was never completed.
He was sentenced to 45 years in prison but ultimately served about five years.
After his release, Bakker returned to television and later launched The Jim Bakker Show with Lori. The programme focused on Christianity, biblical prophecy and current events.
Tammy Faye divorced Bakker while he was incarcerated and later married Roe Messner. She died of cancer in 2007.
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker had two children, including their son Jay Bakker.
