BREAKING: Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a Christian television empire with his former wife Tammy Faye before his stunning fall from grace, has died at 86. His wife Lori Bakker announces his death, remembering him as a "pioneer of Christian television," her "husband," and "best friend." A cause of death has not been revealed. Bakker rose to national fame through "The PTL Club" and the massive Heritage USA Christian theme park before the empire collapsed under scandal. He was convicted on 24 federal fraud and conspiracy counts in 1989 and ultimately served five years in prison.