Televangelist Jim Bakker Dies at 86
Televangelist Jim Bakker, whose empire was once prominent in the Charlotte area, has died at the age of 86.
Charlotte, NC, October 6, 2026 —
Jim Bakker, a prominent figure in televangelism whose ministry once held significant influence in the Charlotte area, has passed away at the age of 86.
Bakker rose to national prominence in the 1980s as a co-host of the PTL Club, a Christian television program that broadcast from Heritage USA, a religious theme park and retreat located in South Carolina, near Charlotte. The ministry’s reach extended widely, impacting many viewers and supporters across the United States.
Details regarding the circumstances of his death were not immediately available. Information concerning any memorial services or surviving family members was also not provided.
The PTL ministry, co-founded by Jim Bakker and his then-wife Tammy Faye Bakker, became a vast enterprise that included television broadcasting, theme parks, and hotels. Its influence was considerable, drawing a large audience and considerable financial support.
The ministry faced significant legal and financial challenges. The exact timeline of these events and their specific outcomes were not detailed in the provided summary. These difficulties eventually led to the cessation of the PTL ministry’s operations.
Despite the later controversies, Jim Bakker remained a notable figure in religious broadcasting for decades. His passing at 86 marks the end of an era for a ministry that was once a significant presence in the Charlotte region and a widely recognized name in American Christian television.
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