If you’re scrolling through your feed wondering about the age of Franklin Graham, you probably expect to find a guy who's slowing down. Most people in their early 70s are eyeing the golf course or perfected their sourdough starter by now. But that isn't the case here.
Born on July 14, 1952, Franklin Graham is currently 73 years old.
He isn't just "active" for his age. He’s running two massive global organizations—Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)—while hopscotching across continents. Honestly, the schedule he keeps would exhaust a 30-year-old. Just this year, he’s been vocal about national prayer movements and has huge plans for the "God Loves You Tour" in Manchester later in 2026.
The "Rebel" Years and Getting Started
It’s kinda funny looking back at his early life. You’d think the son of Billy Graham would be a straight-arrow from day one. He wasn't. Franklin was actually a bit of a wild child—expelled from college, fond of fast cars, and known for his long hair and rugged streak.
It wasn't until he was 22, sitting alone in a hotel room in Jerusalem, that he decided to take his faith seriously.
That "rebel" energy never really left him; it just shifted focus. By the time he hit 27, he was already leading Samaritan’s Purse. Most people his age at the time were just starting entry-level jobs. He’s been the face of that organization since 1979. That’s nearly 47 years of leadership.
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Is He Retiring? (The Short Answer: No)
People keep asking about his retirement because, well, 73 is the age where people usually "hang it up." But Graham seems to have the same "preach until you drop" DNA his father had.
- Samaritan’s Purse: Under his watch, it has grown into a billion-dollar relief machine.
- BGEA: He took over as CEO in 2000 and President in 2001.
- Global Tours: He’s still filling stadiums from London to Mexico City.
There’s no "successor" officially warming the seat yet, though his son Will Graham is heavily involved in the ministry. Will is often seen preaching at the same festivals, but Franklin is still the guy calling the shots and driving the vision. He recently mentioned that as long as he has his health and his voice, he’s going to keep going.
Why the Age of Franklin Graham Matters Right Now
Age brings a certain "elder statesman" status, but in Graham's case, it’s also brought a lot of political weight. He’s not just a preacher; he’s a massive cultural influencer.
He's met with every U.S. President since the 70s.
In 2026, his age reflects a bridge between the old-school evangelicalism of his father’s era and the more politically charged, "stand your ground" style of today. Some people love it; others really don't. But you can't deny the impact. He’s currently calling for a national time of prayer and repentance, citing that "our nation is in trouble."
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Keeping Up With the Schedule
If you want to see what a 73-year-old on a mission looks like, check his flight path. In 2025, he was on five different continents. He’s been in Ukraine, Israel, and the hurricane-hit mountains of North Carolina.
Samaritan's Purse has been particularly busy lately. They've been rebuilding homes after Hurricane Helene and running mobile hospitals in war zones. Graham is usually on the ground for these things. He doesn't just sit in an office in Boone, North Carolina; he gets in the helicopters and the cargo planes.
A Quick Look at the Timeline
- 1952: Born in Asheville, NC.
- 1974: Commits his life to Christ at age 22.
- 1979: Becomes President of Samaritan's Purse.
- 2001: Named President of BGEA.
- 2026: Turns 74 this coming July.
It’s a long road.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that he’s just "living off his father's name." While the Graham name is legendary, Franklin built Samaritan’s Purse into something entirely different than his father's evangelistic crusades. It’s a logistical powerhouse. They have their own fleet of planes—including a DC-8 and a 757 freighter—to move tons of supplies at a moment's notice.
His age hasn't slowed down the innovation of the ministry. If anything, he's pushed for more technology and faster response times as he's gotten older.
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He also lives a relatively low-key personal life in the mountains of North Carolina with his wife, Jane Austin. They’ve been married since 1974. Together, they have four children and over a dozen grandchildren. That’s a lot of birthdays to keep track of.
What’s Next for the 73-Year-Old?
The big target on his calendar is Manchester, England, in October 2026. He’s also staying heavily involved in the relief work in his home state of North Carolina following the devastating storms of the past year.
Basically, don't expect a "retirement tour" anytime soon.
If you're looking to follow his work or support the relief efforts, the best way is to keep an eye on the official Samaritan's Purse website or the BGEA's "Decision" magazine. They post daily updates on where their teams are located. You can also sign up for their newsletters to see the specific impact of the "God Loves You Tour" as it hits different cities throughout 2026.
Checking out his autobiography, Rebel with a Cause, is also a great way to understand how he went from a frustrated teenager to a global leader. It’s a raw look at his life before he took over the family business.
Next Steps for You:
- Check out the God Loves You Tour schedule if you're in the UK or Europe to see a live event.
- Monitor the Samaritan’s Purse site for volunteer opportunities if you want to help with disaster relief.