Jan Crouch was a well-known American religious broadcaster who co-founded the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) with her husband Paul in 1973. She was also a popular TV personality who hosted the show “Praise the Lord” and oversaw several TBN-affiliated networks. She was known for her distinctive pink hair, lavish lifestyle, and charismatic preaching. But how did Jan Crouch die? What was her cause of death? Here is what we know.
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Early Life and Ministry
Jan Crouch was born as Janice Wendell Bethany on May 14, 1938, in New Brockton, Alabama. She was the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Edgar W. Bethany, who were both Assemblies of God pastors. She grew up in Columbus, Georgia, where her father was the founding president of Southeastern University (Florida). She met her future husband, Paul Crouch, at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, where they both studied theology. They married in 1957 and had two sons, Paul Jr. and Matthew, who later became high-ranking officials and program hosts on TBN.
TBN Founding and Growth
In 1973, Paul and Jan Crouch co-founded Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) along with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, who left in 1975. They started with a modest studio in Southern California and purchased their first TV station, KLXA-TV (channel 40, now KTBN-TV), in 1974. They began distribution through cable systems in 1978 and expanded their reach to satellite and international markets in the following years. Under the Crouch family, TBN grew to become the United States’ largest Christian television network, offering 24-hour commercial-free programming. According to Wikipedia, TBN is currently the third-largest over-the-air station group in the United States (measured as percentage of homes reached), with CBS, Fox, and NBC holding the 4th, 5th and 6th place.
Since its founding, Jan Crouch served as TBN’s vice president and director of network programming, as well as the director of programming for TBN’s affiliated networks, such as the Smile of a Child children’s channel, the JUCE TV youth network, The Church Channel, the TBN Enlace USA Spanish language network, and others. She also hosted the show “Praise the Lord” with her husband and other guests, where they discussed various topics related to Christianity and prayed for viewers’ requests. She was also involved in humanitarian projects, such as building orphanages and schools around the world.
Lawsuits and Controversies
Despite their success and popularity, the Crouches also faced several lawsuits and controversies over the years. Some of them involved allegations of financial mismanagement, fraud, sexual misconduct, nepotism, lavish spending, and doctrinal disputes. For instance, according to CNN, in 2012, their granddaughter Brittany Koper sued them for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars from TBN for personal use, such as buying mansions, jets, cars, and jewelry. The Crouches denied the accusations and countersued Koper for breach of fiduciary duty and theft.
Another example is that according to The New York Times, in 2004, Paul Crouch paid $425,000 to a former employee named Enoch Lonnie Ford to settle a sexual harassment claim. Ford alleged that he had a homosexual encounter with Crouch in 1996. The Crouches claimed that Ford was trying to extort money from them and that the settlement was made to avoid a costly legal battle.
Illness and Death
On May 25, 2016, Jan Crouch suffered a massive stroke and was hospitalized in Orlando, Florida. According to The Celebrity Deaths, she died six days later on May 31 at the age of 78. Her son Matt announced her death on his website with a statement that read: “Laurie and I have just watched the transition of our precious mother from this world to the next; watched her step into the presence of Jesus and into her heavenly reward.” He also posted a tribute on Twitter with a picture of his mother smiling.
Her family wrote: “She has taken a piece of our hearts with her, but it’s so wonderful to know that Paul and Jan Crouch are together again, in the arms of Jesus.” Paul Crouch Sr. had died in 2013 from heart failure at the age of 79.
Legacy and Impact
Jan Crouch left behind a legacy of faith, love, and generosity that touched millions of lives around the world. She was a pioneer in Christian broadcasting and a leader in the charismatic movement. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She inspired countless people with her passion, courage, and joy. She will be remembered as a woman who loved God and people with all her heart.
According to TBN, her network reaches over 175 nations and more than 100 million households across the globe. It also produces original programs, movies, documentaries, music, and events that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. It continues to operate under the leadership of her sons and their wives, who carry on her vision and mission.
