Controversial televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a Christian television empire, died Monday at the age of 86.

‘It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening,’ his wife, Lori Bakker, wrote.

Lori said Bakker’s final moments were filled with faith after he devoted 66 years of his life to preaching the gospel.

Bakker was best known for hosting The PTL Club, a popular Christian show in the 1970s to late 1980s short for Praise the Lord. 

The show was launched with his ex-wife, Tammy Faye, before the empire was hit with scandal.

Bakker was convicted in 1989 on 24 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy after raising and misusing $400 million in ministry funds.

He was sentenced to 45 years in prison but was released after about five years.

The televangelist was also recognized for building the PTL Satellite Network, as well as developing Heritage USA, the now-defunct Christian theme park.

Jim Bakker, who built a Christian television empire, died Monday at the age of 86

‘It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening,’ his wife, Lori Bakker, (Pictured) wrote 

Bakker was best known for hosting The PTL Club, which he launched with his ex-wife, Tammy Faye (Pictured)