Pat Robertson Televangelist, the influential religious broadcaster who transformed a small Virginia station into the globally recognized Christian Broadcasting Network, passed away at the age of 93. His death was confirmed by his broadcasting network in an email, although no cause was given.

Throughout his more than half-century career, Robertson Televangelist left an indelible mark on American living rooms with his popular television show, the “700 Club.” He also played a pivotal role in shaping the relationship between religion and politics in the United States, particularly within the Republican Party, through his Christian Coalition.

Born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, Marion Gordon Pat Robertson Televangelist grew up in a politically active family. His father, Absalom Willis Robertson, served as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from Virginia. Despite his early interest in politics, Robertson Televangelist experienced a spiritual transformation and devoted himself to religious pursuits. He earned a master’s degree in divinity from the New York Theological Seminary in 1959.

In 1961, Pat Robertson Televangelist purchased a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia, with just $70 in his pocket. The station, known as the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), became a tax-exempt religious nonprofit and enjoyed significant financial success over the years. Through the “700 Club,” Robertson Televangelist adopted a talk-show format that appealed to a broad audience and featured diverse guests discussing everyday concerns from a religious perspective.

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Pat Robertson Televangelist’s influence extended beyond broadcasting. In 1989, he founded the Christian Coalition, an organization aimed at mobilizing conservative voters through grass-roots activities. The coalition became a powerful political force in the 1990s, aligning conservative Christians with the Republican Party. Robertson Televangelist’s political ambition reached its peak in 1988 when he sought the GOP presidential nomination. His innovative strategy of requiring three million signatures before officially declaring his candidacy helped him amass a substantial following and secured him a second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.

While Pat Robertson Televangelist endorsed Vice President George H.W. Bush for the presidency, his pursuit of Iowa’s evangelical Christian churches set a precedent for future Republican candidates. The ritual of courting Iowa’s evangelicals remains a crucial aspect of GOP campaigns, including those vying for the White House in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Robertson Televangelist’s enterprises extended beyond broadcasting and politics. He founded Regent University, an evangelical Christian school in Virginia Beach, and the American Center for Law and Justice, an organization dedicated to protecting the First Amendment rights of religious individuals. Additionally, he established Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization.

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Not without controversy, Pat Robertson Televangelist faced criticism for his on-air pronouncements. He attributed natural disasters, such as the September 11 attacks, to various societal factors, including homosexuality and the teaching of evolution. His remarks on Islam in the aftermath of 9/11 caused a significant backlash, leading President George W. Bush to distance himself and emphasize the peaceful nature of the religion. Pat Robertson Televangelist also faced criticism for suggesting the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and making controversial statements about AIDS transmission in Kenya.

Despite the controversies, Pat Robertson Televangelist maintained a strong following throughout his career. He interacted with several U.S. presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump, on his television show. While he condemned Democrats involved in sex scandals, he solidified evangelical support for Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

In recent years, Pat Robertson Televangelist’s involvement in the daily operations of CBN diminished, and he passed the torch to his son, Gordon, who took over as the chief executive of the network in 2007. After hosting the “700 Club” for half a century, Pat Robertson Televangelist stepped down from his role in 2021, with his son assuming the responsibilities.

The passing of Robertson Televangelist leaves a void in the world of religious broadcasting and American politics. His influence, from pioneering the Christian Coalition to cementing the alliance between conservative Christians and the Republican Party, will continue to shape the nation’s discourse for years to come.

Funeral arrangements for Pat Robertson Televangelist are yet to be announced.