Prominent Christian broadcaster and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson has died.
The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), spearheaded by Robertson, announced he died early Thursday morning at his home in Virginia Beach.
His cause of death was not disclosed. He was 93 years old.
Robertson was best known for hosting his faith-based television show, “The 700 Club.” The show was first broadcast in 1966 and “is one of the longest-running programs in television history,” according to CBN, adding it is still on the air today.
“With great sadness, we announce that Dr. M.G. ‘Pat’ Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today. Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time,” “The 700 Club” wrote on Twitter.
With great sadness, we announce that Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today. Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time. For more details on Pat’s life and legacy, visit https://t.co/HkvsFUAENP
— The 700 Club (@700club) June 8, 2023
In 1988, Robertson ran for president and finished in second place. He beat then-Vice President George H.W. Bush in the Iowa caucuses.
Believing God told him to run, he said he wanted to form a government run by “spirit-filled Christians,” according to The Washington Post.
“I don’t think being a Christian means just spending time in the confines of the church, behind stained-glass windows, singing hymns,” he shared,
According to CBN, he lost the Republican nomination to Bush and later endorsed Bush’s campaign.
On the 60th anniversary of CBN’s first broadcast in October 2021, Robertson announced he would be stepping down as the daily host of “The 700 Club.”
Following his departure, his son, Gordon Robertson, who also served as executive producer and co-host of “The 700 Club” for two decades, honored his father.
“‘Good and faithful’ doesn’t even begin to describe my father’s service to CBN for 60 years. His legacy and the example of his prayer life will continue to lead The 700 Club in the years to come,” he said of the televangelist.
He added, “And the best part is, he is just going across the street to Regent University and will be on The 700 Club regularly in the future.”
