Pat Robertson

Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson was an American televangelist, media mogul, and political firebrand who fused conservative Christianity with national politics for over five decades. Born in Lexington, Virginia, he built the Christian Broadcasting Network into a global media empire and hosted The 700 Club for more than sixty years, reaching millions of viewers daily. He passed away on June 8, 2023, at his home in Virginia Beach, at age 93.

Robertson's influence stretched far beyond the pulpit. He founded Regent University, Operation Blessing International, the American Center for Law and Justice, and the Christian Coalition, a political organization that became a powerhouse in the Republican Party. His 1988 presidential campaign, though unsuccessful, demonstrated the electoral muscle of evangelical voters. A prolific author of over twenty books, Robertson remained a fixture on The 700 Club until retiring in October 2021.

His legacy is deeply polarized. Supporters saw a visionary who brought faith into the public square; critics condemned his outspoken views on LGBTQ rights, feminism, and abortion, as well as his promotion of conspiracy theories. Regardless of one's stance, Robertson's role in shaping the Religious Right and the modern conservative movement is undeniable. [edit]

Pat Robertson grew up in a politically connected household. His father, A. Willis Robertson, served as a Democratic U.S. Senator from Virginia for over two decades, and the family lived in Lexington, Virginia. The nickname "Pat" came from his older brother, a playful take on "Marion." He attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, then enrolled at Washington and Lee University, graduating with a degree in history in 1950.

Following graduation, Robertson joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War and rising to first lieutenant. After his discharge, he entered Yale Law School, but a spiritual awakening led him to abandon law for ministry. He later earned a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary in 1959 and was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister.

In 1954, he married Adelia "Dede" Elmer, who became his lifelong partner. In 1960, Robertson made a bold move that many considered reckless: he bought a defunct UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia, for $37,000. He renamed it WYAH and launched the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1961. The early years were financially precarious, and Robertson famously raised money through on-air appeals. A 1963 telethon asked viewers to pledge $10 a month, and 700 responded, giving birth to The 700 Club. [edit]

The 700 Club debuted in 1966 and became Robertson's signature program, a daily mix of news, interviews, prayer, and political commentary. It ran for over six decades, eventually airing on ABC Family and reaching an international audience. In 1977, he founded Operation Blessing International, a humanitarian organization that would provide disaster relief worldwide.

Robertson expanded his empire in 1978 by founding Regent University in Virginia Beach, initially as CBN University. Two years later, he established the American Center for Law and Justice, a conservative legal advocacy group. In 1988, Robertson ran for the Republican presidential nomination, winning the Michigan caucuses and finishing second in Iowa before losing to George H.W. Bush. The campaign galvanized evangelical voters and led to the founding of the Christian Coalition in 1989, which became a dominant force in Republican politics throughout the 1990s.

Robertson also wrote more than twenty books, including the 1990 bestseller The New World Order, which drew criticism for its conspiracy theories. He continued hosting The 700 Club until October 2021, retiring after more than sixty years on air. He died in 2023, but CBN and Regent University continue under his son Gordon's leadership. [edit]

Pat Robertson's public image was sharply divided. To his supporters, he was a visionary broadcaster who brought Christian values to mainstream media and politics. To critics, he was a polarizing figure whose outspoken comments on social issues sparked outrage. His on-air persona was warm and grandfatherly, but his political commentary was sharp and unapologetic. His audience, primarily conservative evangelicals, were known as "700 Club members" or "CBN partners," and they engaged through daily broadcasts and prayer lines. Robertson's style combined news analysis, spiritual teaching, and political advocacy, a format that influenced generations of religious broadcasters. [edit]

Pat Robertson stood as a towering figure in American religious and political life, commanding a media empire that reached into millions of living rooms. His influence was not merely measured by viewership but by the sheer weight of his ideological footprint on the Republican Party. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he currently holds the position of the 28th most famous person in Pastors, a standing he maintained from the previous cycle. This placement reflects decades of consistent presence in the public sphere, where his voice merged theology with geopolitics. While some celebrities rely on fleeting viral moments, Robertson built a legacy through daily broadcasts and high-stakes political commentary. The data tracks global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, confirming his enduring status among religious leaders. His audience did not form a branded fandom with chants or merchandise; instead, they were united under the banner of conservative Christianity. These supporters, often called CBN partners, engaged through prayer networks and political action rather than celebrity worship. There is no formal name for this group, as their loyalty was rooted in shared doctrine rather than pop culture rituals. Legends persist about his controversial pronouncements, from predicting the end of the world in 1982 to suggesting the CIA assassinate Fidel Castro. These stories remain central to how history remembers him, distinguishing his path from other televangelists who focused solely on spiritual matters.[edit]

Pat Robertson left Yale Law School to dedicate his life to ministry, a pivot that launched a career spanning over five decades. He famously claimed the ability to speak in tongues and perform faith healing, practices that defined his early televangelist persona. In 1982, he made headlines when he predicted the apocalypse would occur that year, a prophecy that ultimately failed to materialize. Before becoming a Republican powerhouse, Robertson was a registered Democrat, reflecting his evolving political journey. Industry insiders initially mocked his purchase of a Portsmouth TV station for just $37,000, yet it became the foundation of a global network. He also pioneered faith-based diplomacy, holding meetings with multiple U.S. presidents to discuss international affairs. Beyond these facts, folklore surrounds his 1992 revelation that divine judgment would strike the U.S. if homosexuality remained tolerated, a story still cited in cultural debates. Another iconic moment occurred during a 2003 interview with Larry King, where he suggested the CIA should assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro and claimed the dictator was possessed by demons. This comment sparked immediate diplomatic outrage and remains a primary reference point for his controversial rhetoric. In 2014, he further fueled speculation by attributing the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to demonic activity, cementing his reputation for blending spiritual warfare with geopolitical analysis.[edit]

Pat Robertson was born to A. Willis Robertson, a U.S. Senator from Virginia, and Gladys Churchill Robertson. He had one older brother who gave him the nickname "Pat." Robertson married Adelia "Dede" Elmer in 1954, and they remained together for 68 years until her death in 2022. The couple had four children: Timothy, Gordon, Elizabeth, and Anne. Gordon succeeded his father as CEO of CBN and chancellor of Regent University. The family lived in Virginia Beach, where Robertson died in 2023, about a year after his wife. [edit]

Gordon Robertson, his son, succeeded him as CEO of CBN and chancellor of Regent University. His wife Dede co-founded CBN's counseling ministry. Robertson's father, A. Willis Robertson, was a U.S. Senator. He was a frequent ally of fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell, and Ralph Reed served as executive director of the Christian Coalition under his leadership. After losing the 1988 nomination, Robertson endorsed George H.W. Bush. [edit]

Pat Robertson was married to Adelia "Dede" Elmer for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in 2022. They met while he was studying at New York Theological Seminary. Dede was a constant presence in his ministries, co-founding CBN's counseling ministry and appearing regularly on The 700 Club. The couple had four children together. After Dede's death, Robertson remained widowed until his own passing in June 2023. There were no other public relationships in his life. [edit]

The Christian Broadcasting Network issued extensive statements honoring Pat Robertson as a pioneer in Christian media, while viewership of "The 700 Club" archives surged immediately following the announcement. This digital revival reflected a renewed interest in his work and marked the first major institutional response to the end of an era that had fused conservative Christianity with national politics for over five decades. Tributes poured in from across the religious and political spectrum, including comments from President Joe Biden who noted Robertson's significant role in shaping the intersection of faith and governance. Robertson passed away on June 8, 2023, at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 93.

His family did not issue a detailed medical breakdown of his final days, though it was widely reported that he had been battling health issues in his later years, including Alzheimer's disease which he had publicly discussed in prior interviews. A private funeral service was held shortly after his death, adhering to the family's wishes to keep the proceedings intimate. Reports indicate he was buried, though the exact cemetery location has not been officially disclosed to the general public. Posthumously, Regent University released commemorative materials and hosted events to honor his contributions to education and broadcasting.[edit]

Pat Robertson's net worth at the time of his death in 2023 was estimated at around $150 million per iFANN's editorial analysis. This wealth accumulated primarily through book royalties, speaking fees, and diverse investments rather than direct profits from the Christian Broadcasting Network, which operates as a nonprofit organization. He authored more than twenty books, several achieving bestseller status, while his speaking engagements commanded substantial fees. Additional income flowed from real estate holdings and various business ventures. Following his passing, the estate has continued to generate revenue through ongoing book royalties, including the posthumous release of I Have Walked With The Living God in late 2025. Licensing deals for his broadcasts and teachings also contribute to the financial portfolio. The estate remains under the management of his family, with his son Gordon overseeing operations at CBN and Regent University. As of 2026, the estate's value remains in the range of $150 million, sustained by these persistent revenue streams.[edit]