Jim Bakker, Co-Founder of ‘The PTL Club,’ Dies at 86 After Scandal and Financial Ruin

Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a Christian TV empire with his wife, dies at 86. His legacy includes scandal, redemption, and cultural impact.

Editorial Desk

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Branson, Missouri — Jim Bakker, the televangelist who co-founded the influential Christian television network PTL Satellite Network and hosted the popular show ‘The PTL Club,’ has died at the age of 86.

Bakker’s death was confirmed by his second wife, Lori Bakker, who shared a statement expressing deep personal loss. The cause of death has not been disclosed publicly. He had been living in Branson, Missouri, where he filmed his later program ‘The Jim Bakker Show’ since 2003.

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His rise to fame began alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, with whom he launched a groundbreaking ministry that included a nationally syndicated TV program, a theme park, and a vast network of followers. However, their public image took a dramatic turn after a scandal involving financial misconduct and personal infidelity led to their downfall. Despite this, their story remained culturally significant, inspiring media portrayals such as the 2021 film ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye.’

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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