Christian evangelist Pat Robertson, the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network empire and perhaps best known for his political commentary on “The 700 Club”, has died at the age of 93. The Christian Broadcasting Network announced Robertson’s death, sharing that he died at his home in Virginia Beach: “With great sadness, we announce that Dr. M.G. ‘Pat’ Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today … Pat Robertson dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, helping those in need, and educating the next generation …..Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time.”
Robertson was born in Virginia in 1930 to Sen. A. Willis Robertson, and became an ordained minister as a Southern Baptist. He started The Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, and led the Christian Coalition, founded in 1987, the year before he ran for the Republican nomination for president in 1988, vying to take over for President Ronald Reagan. The nomination, and eventually presidency, was won by George H.W. Bush. Although he was never expected to get the nomination, he made an impressive enough showing in the first contest in Iowa to remain a force in GOP politics.
Robertson provided political commentary from his Christian viewpoint weekly on “The 700 Club,” appearing on the show for 60 years before retiring at 91 years old in 2021. He handed over the reins of “The 700 Club” to his son, Gordon, but continued to make appearances on the program. In addition to his TV network, he also started Regent University, previously CBN University, a private Christian university, in 1977 in Virginia Beach.
Robertson’s wife of 67 years, Dede, died in 2022. He is survived by four children, Tim, Elizabeth, Gordon, and Ann, along with 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
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