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Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a faith-based empire before resigning amid scandal, dies at 86
His PTL ministry drew up to 13 million nightly viewers before fraud and sex scandals led to prison and a later TV comeback, family said.
- On Monday, televangelist Jim Bakker died at age 86, his wife, Lori Bakker, announced. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
- Bakker rose to prominence in the 1970s as co-host of "The PTL Club," which he launched with Tammy Faye Bakker, becoming a pioneer of Christian television and developing the PTL Satellite Network.
- Following his 1987 resignation after paying hush money to a church secretary, Bakker was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges, receiving a 45-year prison sentence before his parole in 1994.
- After his release, Bakker hosted "The Jim Bakker Show" alongside Lori from Branson, Missouri. His church paid $156,000 in 2021 to settle a lawsuit over coronavirus supplement claims.
- Lori stated her husband devoted 66 years to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life inspired portrayals by actors including Andrew Garfield and Kevin Spacey in theatrical productions.
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Televangelist Jim Bakker, once imprisoned for scandal, dies at 87
(RNS) — By the time Bakker, and his first wife Tammy Faye were forced to give up their Praise The Lord ministry — known as ‘PTL’ — in 1987, they were a well-known television couple with a loyal following.
·Washington, United States
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American television preacher Jim Bakker, who created a major religious empire and served his prison sentence for fraud, left his life at the age of 86. Laurie Bakker, the deceased's wife, said that her husband had gone to God without specifying the circumstances and causes of death, and said to CNN: "He was a pioneer of Christian television, but for me he was a husband, best friend, and a man I had the privilege of going through so many seasons …
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Total News Sources129
Leaning Left37Leaning Right12Center67Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Center
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources are Center
58% Center
L 32%
C 58%
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