James Dobson, American evangelical activist, dies at 89

FILE PHOTO: Ted Cruz speaks with Dr. James Dobson (R), an evangelical Christian author, at a town hall at Winterset Stage in Winterset, Iowa January 4, 2016. REUTERS/Mark Kauzlarich/File Photo

(Reuters) -James Dobson, a formidable force in America's social conservative movement and promoter of an anti-abortion and "pro-family" agenda, died on Thursday at age 89.

Dobson had an audience of millions through his Focus on the Family group, radio show and books. No cause was given for his death, according to a statement on the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute's website.