James Robison dies at 82 as Life Outreach founder is mourned
james robison died at 82, ending a seven-decade public run that began with televangelism in 1968 and carried through LIFE Today on Trinity Broadcasting Network. A statement posted on his social media profiles announced his death and did not reveal the cause.
The statement called him the beloved founder of Life Outreach International and said he devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world. That leaves his ministry brand intact in name, but without its longtime public face.
LIFE Today and TBN
Robison and Betty Robison had been hosting LIFE Today on Trinity Broadcasting Network since at least 1995, giving the program a long shelf life in Christian television. His website says the show reached an audience of over 1 billion worldwide, which makes his death a business and succession question for a media operation that lived far beyond a single broadcast slot.
His website also says he preached in over 600 cities during his lifetime. He was originally from Pasadena, Texas, and later launched the Christian news portal The Stream in 2015, adding another outlet to the ministry ecosystem built under Life Outreach International.
Family and ministry reach
James and Betty Robison had three children and 11 grandchildren, and one of their daughters died of throat cancer in 2012. That family history sits alongside the broader ministry footprint, which had been active since the 1960s and reached millions through television and other ventures.
Chad Prather posted a condolence message saying, "I was absolutely heartbroken this morning to hear of the passing of my dear friend, evangelist James Robison. What an impact he made for the Kingdom in millions of lives. We celebrate his home-going today with tears of both sorrow and joy. He made an impact on my life that goes beyond words. Well done, servant of the Most High King!" Another message said, "Love James Robinson. Partnered in Life Today Ministry for years to build wells. He will be sorely missed. Praying for his wife Betty and their family ? They had a beautiful Godly marriage"; a third read, "Condolences to his family."
Life Outreach International
The immediate practical change is simple: the figure who gave Life Outreach International its identity is gone, and the public statement offers no medical explanation. For viewers and supporters of LIFE Today, the next issue is how the ministry presents itself without the founder who anchored it for decades.
