US News

Former televangelist Jim Bakker dies at age 86

The fallen PTL ministry founder served prison time for fraud before returning to broadcast television

Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 10:51 UTC3 reports

The short version

Televangelist Jim Bakker passed away Monday at 86, according to a statement from his wife Lori Bakker.[ABC News · NBC News]
Bakker gained prominence running the PTL ministry empire before resigning in 1987 over a sex scandal and later serving federal prison time for fraud.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]
After his 1994 release, he reestablished a broadcast ministry, though his cause of death has not been disclosed.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]

Jim Bakker died Monday at age 86, as announced by his wife Lori Bakker.[ABC News · NBC News]
Bakker stepped down from PTL in 1987 following revelations of a 1980 sexual encounter with Jessica Hahn.[The Guardian · NBC News]
Bakker was convicted of fraud and conspiracy in 1989 and was paroled in 1994 after serving under five years.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]
In June 2021, Bakker settled a lawsuit regarding claims that the supplement Silver Solution cured COVID-19 by agreeing to $156,000 in refunds.[ABC News · NBC News]

The cause and circumstances surrounding Bakker's death were not publicly shared.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]
The exact settlement paid to Jessica Hahn is disputed, reported as over $250,000 by NBC News and $265,000 by The Guardian.[The Guardian · NBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.