You’ve seen him on your TV screen for decades. Whether it’s a clip of a fiery sermon at The Potter’s House or a snippet from an interview with Oprah, Bishop T.D. Jakes feels like a permanent fixture in American culture. But lately, people are asking a very specific question with a bit more urgency: how old is T.D. Jakes, and is he actually retiring?
The short answer is that T.D. Jakes is 68 years old. He was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia. If you’re reading this after June 2026, he’s already hit the big 69.
Honestly, the fascination with his age isn’t just about a number on a birth certificate. It’s because the man has been through a literal whirlwind over the last year and a half. Between a massive health scare that played out in front of millions and a major "changing of the guard" at his church, fans are trying to figure out if we’re seeing the final chapter of his public life.
The Birthday and the Background
T.D. Jakes (born Thomas Dexter Jakes) grew up as the youngest of three kids. Back in West Virginia, they called him the "Bible Boy" because he used to carry his Bible everywhere. People actually told him he’d never be a preacher because he had a slight lisp. Talk about getting it wrong. He started his first church at just 25 years old with only ten members.
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By the time he moved to Dallas in 1996 to found The Potter's House, he was 39. He’s spent nearly 30 years in Texas building an empire that spans film, music, and books. When you realize he’s 68, you start to see the math of a 50-year career in ministry. That's a lot of Sundays.
That Viral Health Scare
We have to talk about what happened in November 2024. It was a Sunday morning service like any other, but while Jakes was delivering a sermon, he suddenly began to shudder and became incoherent. The video went viral instantly. It was terrifying to watch.
While the church initially called it a "non-emergency incident," Jakes later admitted on The TODAY Show that he actually suffered a massive heart attack. He described it as being in a "quiet, peaceful, white enveloped space." He literally had heart surgery while he was fully awake.
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Fast forward to October 2025, and there was another scare. He was rushed off the pulpit again, and an ambulance showed up at the church. Thankfully, that one turned out to be a "responsible next step" for monitoring rather than another cardiac event. He even posted a photo of himself at dinner with his family later that same day to prove he was okay. But those moments definitely made the world realize he isn't invincible.
Is He Actually Retiring?
Technically? No. Effectively? Kinda.
In April 2025, Jakes made a massive announcement. He decided to pass the senior leadership of The Potter’s House to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and his son-in-law, Touré Roberts.
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He calls it a "rebirth" instead of a retirement. He’s still the Chairman of the Board. He’s still the spiritual overseer. But he’s no longer the guy responsible for the day-to-day grind of a 30,000-member megachurch. Instead, he’s focusing on:
- Economic Empowerment: He’s obsessed with the "disappearing middle class" and wants to spend his remaining energy on corporate alliances and community housing.
- Media Ventures: He recently signed a deal with iHeartMedia for a podcast called My Next Chapter.
- The T.D. Jakes Foundation: This is where he’s putting his time into STEAM education and job readiness.
Why His Age Matters Now
The reason people keep searching for how old is T.D. Jakes is because they’re watching a legend transition. Most people his age are looking for a golf course and a rocking chair. Jakes, even after a heart attack at 67, seems to be pivot-ing into a role that looks more like a global CEO than a traditional pastor.
He’s mentioned before that leadership isn't static; it's dynamic. By stepping back at 68, he’s trying to ensure his legacy outlives him. He’s seen too many leaders hold on until the very end, often to the detriment of their organizations.
Quick Facts for Your Reference
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1957.
- Birthplace: South Charleston, West Virginia.
- Current Age (Early 2026): 68.
- Spouse: Serita Jakes (Married since 1982).
- Successors: Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts.
If you’re following the Bishop’s journey, the best way to keep up isn't just watching old sermons. Look at the work his foundation is doing in the real estate and tech spaces. That’s where his "retirement" energy is actually going. You can find his latest updates on the Bishop's Village platform or through his new podcast series if you want to hear how his perspective has changed since the heart surgery.
The most actionable thing you can do if you’ve followed him for years is to watch the transition at The Potter's House. It's a rare case study in how a major public figure hands over the keys while they’re still around to see the results.