Scandal-ridden televangelist Jim Bakker lost his sister just days before his own passing. Donna Puckett, 91, died on Sept. 29 in Hollister, Missouri. Bakker was heartbroken, according to an obituary released by the family. He posted a tribute on Facebook only one week before he died at age 86.
The cause of death for Puckett remains unclear. Bakker wrote that his sister was “precious” to him. He noted she had three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She stood by him during his 1988 fraud conviction. UPI reported she sobbed when a judge asked if he would flee. She denied he was a flight risk.
“Donna was loved by so many people, and she loved her friends very much,” Bakker wrote in his post. He said she worked in the accounting department for his ministry. She served alongside him for many years. The New York Post reported these details about her life and death.
Bakker shared deep feelings about their bond. He said she loved his children with great care. In a deeply special manner, the whole family cherished her and held her dear, as he penned, “She loved my children deeply, and our entire family loved her and cared for her in a very special way.” Puckett was also a skilled piano player. She loved Jesus with all her heart.
Bakker thanked her for her loyalty during hard times. “Donna, thank you for loving me,” he said. “Thank you for standing beside me through the years. I love you more than words can say.” He ended his message with hope. “Because of Jesus, this is not goodbye. I’ll see you again.”
The New York Post noted the close relationship between the siblings. Bakker said his heart hurt but he was thankful. He listed every memory, prayer, song, and laugh they shared. This tribute came just seven days before his own death.
Jim Bakker died on Oct. 5, 2026. His widow, Lori Bakker, announced the news on Monday. She wrote that he “went home to be with the Lord.” His cause of death has not been revealed yet. They were married in 1998 and filmed their show near Branson.
Lori Bakker praised his life of preaching. She said he gave 66 years to the Gospel. He was a pioneer of Christian television in the late 1970s. His show once drew up to 13 million nightly viewers. He was married to Tammy Faye when he started the network.
The couple built a large empire in South Carolina. It included a theme park that closed in 1989. Scandals involving a $279,000 payment to a secretary hurt his reputation. He denied rape allegations but admitted to sex. Lori said he finished his race with faith.
She asked for privacy as the family grieves. The family wants prayers during this difficult time. No further details on his passing are available yet.
