Jim Bakker, disgraced 1980s televangelist, dies at 86

0Jim Bakker on ‘The Jim Bakker Show’Credit: The Jim Bakker Show/YoutubeJim Bakker, the pioneering televangelist brought down by scandal in the 1980s only to return to TV, has died at 86.

His wife, Lori Bakker, broke the news late Monday: “It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening. For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 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, “Jim loved people deeply. He loved this ministry, and he loved the friends and partners who stood with him throughout the years. Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world. Our family is grieving and we ask for your prayers and privacy during this time. Jim finished his race with faith. His voice, his vision, and his legacy will never be forgotten.”

Bakker was memorably portrayed in the 2021 Oscar-winning film The Eyes of Tammy Faye, for which Jessica Chastain won Best Actress for her portrayal of Bakker’s ex-wife, to whom he was married until 1992.

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Bakker’s team.

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