Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and president of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, Family Talk, which is heard on more than 1,400 outlets. He holds a Ph.D. in child development and research design from the University of Southern California School of Medicine and is the author and co-author of 70 books. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years, and served on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has advised five U.S. Presidents and served on eight national commissions. In 2008 he was inducted into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 61 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
Shirley Dobson is nationally recognized for her leadership skills and for her many contributions to Christian organizations and other groups advocating for the family. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary, Biola University, Huntington College and Dallas Baptist University. A graduate of Pasadena College, Mrs. Dobson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Following graduation, she taught in the Hudson and Arcadia Unified School Districts in California. After her marriage and the birth of her first child, she chose to become a full-time mother and homemaker. She proudly served as chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force for 25 years, beginning in 1991. Through the efforts of the task force, tens of thousands of prayer gatherings were established and conducted across the country. Mrs. Dobson co-authored, along with Gloria Gaither, a four-book series— Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary, Creating Family Traditions, Celebrating Special Times with Special People, and Hide it in Your Heart. She has also co-authored Nightlight: A Devotional for Couples and Nightlight for Parents with her husband, Dr. James Dobson. Her book that describes the remarkable gift of prayer, Certain Peace in Uncertain Times, was published in 2002. Mrs. Dobson and her daughter, Danae, co-authored the heartwarming hospitality book entitled, Welcome to Our Table. Dr. and Mrs. Dobson reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.