(The Epoch Times)—Jim Bakker, who built an evangelical media empire with his former wife Tammy Faye during the 1970s, has died at age 86.
His second wife, Lori Bakker, said the televangelist died on Oct. 5. She did not provide any details about the cause of death.
“It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening,” Lori said in a Facebook post.
Lori described Bakker as a “pioneer of Christian television” who loved people deeply and was devoted to his ministry. She said that even in his final days, Bakker remained committed to his work for God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world.
“Our family is grieving and we ask for your prayers and privacy during this time. Jim finished his race with faith. His voice, his vision, and his legacy will never be forgotten,” she said.
Bakker founded “The PTL Club,” a religious talk show he co-hosted with then-wife Faye from 1974 to 1987. That year, their empire began to crack after Bakker admitted to having a sexual encounter with the secretary of a church on Long Island, 21-year-old Jessica Hahn. Hahn claimed she was raped.
Bakker was forced to resign from the empire and turned over its operations to pastor and broadcaster Jerry Falwell.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing news story and will be updated.
