By Paul Joseph
Renowned American televangelist and founder of LIFE Outreach International, James Robison, has died at the age of 82.
Robison’s death was confirmed on Sunday by the board of directors of LIFE Outreach International in a statement shared on social media. The ministry, however, did not disclose the cause of death at the time of the announcement.
In its tribute, the board praised Robison’s lifelong dedication to Christian evangelism and humanitarian outreach across the world.
“James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world,” the statement read.
The ministry added that Robison’s vision and mission would continue through ongoing feeding programs, clean-water initiatives, disaster relief efforts and other humanitarian projects championed by the organisation over the years.
Robison was widely known as the longtime host of the Christian television programme “LIFE Today,” which reached millions of viewers globally. Through LIFE Outreach International, he built one of the most recognised evangelical humanitarian ministries in the United States, focusing on support for vulnerable communities around the world.
Born into difficult circumstances, Robison often spoke publicly about his troubled childhood and experiences growing up in poverty. According to his ministry biography, he had a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ at the age of 14 and later embraced the calling to become an evangelist at 18.
Over the course of his ministry, more than 20 million people reportedly heard him preach through crusades, television broadcasts and outreach events.
Robison is survived by his wife, Betty Robison, son Randy, and daughter Rhonda. Their daughter Robin reportedly died before him.
James and Betty Robison were married in 1963 and spent more than six decades working together in ministry and humanitarian outreach.
Following news of his passing, several Christian leaders and public figures paid tribute to the late televangelist on social media.
Among them was former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who described Robison as a major influence in his life and ministry.
“I worked for James Robison in the 70s as Director of Communications. He and wife Betty were huge influences in my life,” Huckabee wrote on X.
Christian activist and president of Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds, also honoured Robison in an emotional tribute, describing him as a spiritual mentor who impacted her faith journey and leadership development.
She credited him with helping shape her understanding of Christian unity, the Holy Spirit and ministry leadership during difficult moments in her life.
Meanwhile, LIFE Outreach International has asked supporters around the world to pray for the Robison family and members of the ministry as they mourn his passing and continue his legacy.
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