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Focus on the Family founder James Dobson will end his radio career at the end of February, the group announced Friday. 

Last February, Dobson stepped down as chairman of the anti-gay group he founded in 1977 but remained the group's primary radio voice. 

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, called Dobson's rein at the Colorado-based group "remarkable."

"The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season – and Dr. Dobson's season at Focus on the Family has been remarkable," Daly said in a statement. "He has done a superlative job in modeling the graceful transition of leadership from one generation to the next."

The announcement comes on the heels of several rounds of lay offs at the ministry and the summer announcement that it was exiting the "ex-gay" business. In an August letter to donors, Daly explained that the group is about $6 million in the red for the year, and had decided to sell off its Love Won Out conferences to Exodus International, whose motto is "Freedom from homosexuality though the power of Jesus Christ." Focus said at the time it would continue to support the workshop financially.

Dobson ascended to prominence with a socially conservative anti-gay message. With publications such as Citizen Link and radio broadcasts the group continues to voice its opposition to any pro-gay legislation, including the recent decision to broaden the federal definition of hate crimes to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Dobson also leads the movement to have openly gay safe schools czar Kevin Jennings axed by the Obama administration.

A cooling off of the culture wars won't follow Dobson's retirement, however, says Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, a group he founded to combat social conservatives.

"There appears to be no shortage of divisive figures who would like to fill his shoes, although none have yet to attain his prominence and stature," Besen told On Top Magazine. "Rick Warren, Sarah Palin and Maggie Gallagher are potential successors. And Doug Coe from The Fellowship [also known as The Family] may be even more powerful than Dobson."

"So, there is hardly time to throw a victory parade," he added.

In Friday's announcement, Daly said the group would host a series of events to honor Dobson's contributions to the ministry over the next few months, but did not disclose any details.

"Focus on the Family has never been about one man," Daly added. "That's why Dr. Dobson has always refused to have his name put on any building here. It's about doing the Lord's work in helping families."

Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

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