Jim Bakker, who built 'PTL Club' televangelism empire, has died at 86
Bakker died Monday, his second wife, Lori Bakker, said. His cause of death has not been announced. He was 86.
He and his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, became prominent figures in Christian television through The PTL Club. At its height in the 1980s, the program reached millions, while their ministry also operated Heritage USA, a theme park and hotel in South Carolina.
Their success ended amid a sex scandal and financial crimes. The couple later became targets of comedy and parody, and their story was adapted into the 2021 film The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
Bakker later lived near Branson, Missouri, where he and Lori filmed The Jim Bakker Show, which began in 2003. He had a stroke in 2020.
Lori Bakker described him as both a Christian television trailblazer and her husband and close companion. The statement announcing his death did not provide further details.
Key points
- Bakker died Monday at 86; his cause of death was not immediately known.
- The PTL Club and Heritage USA formed the center of his 1980s ministry.
- His ministry collapsed amid scandal and financial crimes; he later hosted a show with his second wife.