Jim Bakker reason of death: What we know so far as televangelist who built ‘PTL Club’ empire dies at 86?

Jim Bakker, the former American televangelist who rose to fame by building a massive Christian broadcasting empire with his first wife, Tammy Faye, has died at 86. Bakker has died, according to a statement from his second wife, Lori Bakker. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jim Bakker’s health struggles in his final years

His later years were marked by health problems. Bakker suffered multiple strokes in 2020 and was hospitalised again last year, according to a report published by Huff Post. He continued appearing on his television programme until his death.

Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye, became household names through their popular television programme, The PTL Club, which grew into a sprawling ministry and entertainment empire. Their success collapsed in the late 1980s following a scandal and Bakker’s conviction on financial fraud charges.

Jim Bakker’s rise from CBN to PTL

Bakker later served time in prison before rebuilding his television career. He and Lori eventually settled near Branson, Missouri, where they began The Jim Bakker Show in 2003. But it was another evangelical program, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, that made Bakker and his wife TV icons. The movie made on their lives premiered in September 2021.

Bakker and his wife grabbed the attention of televangelist Pat Robertson, launching a children’s show on his Christian Broadcasting Network in 1965. A year later, Bakker hosted a Christian talk show, The 700 Club. 2 years after quitting CBN in 1972, Bakker formed the PTL Satellite Network, aka The PTL Club, which stands for Praise the Lord.

About PTL Club and Jim Bakker-Tammy Faye

The PTL Club, dubbed the Christian version of The Tonight Show, featured candid chats with guests and Christian entertainers. While Bakker offered sermons, Faye sang them. Most of the episodes were taped at their lavish complex, south of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bakker, born in Muskegon, Michigan, attended the North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, where he met Tammy Faye for the first time. They got married in 1961 and dropped out of college to start their own travelling ministry. While Bakker preached, his wife sang and played the accordion as they crossed the country, visiting churches and tent revivals.