Jim Bakker, televangelist, dead at 86

American televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a multimillion-dollar evangelical broadcasting empire with his first wife, Tammy Faye, has died at the age of 86.

Bakker died Monday, according to his second wife, Lori Bakker, although his cause of death was not immediately disclosed, MS NOW.

“He was a pioneer of Christian television, but to me, he was my husband, my best friend, and the man I was honored to walk beside through so many seasons of life and ministry,” Lori said.

Bakker rose to prominence through “The PTL Club,” which attracted millions of viewers during its peak in the 1980s. His ministry also operated the Heritage USA Christian theme park.

His empire collapsed in 1987 following a sex scandal. Bakker was later convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to prison.

He was released on parole in 1994 and returned to television ministry in 2003.