Renowned Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Dies after Heart Attack
Televangelist and gospel music artist Jimmy Swaggart passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90 following cardiac arrest.
"Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ," Swaggart's official Facebook page announced Tuesday morning.
"Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day," stated the page.
"For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified," the statement continued.
"He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith."
Last month, Swaggart suffered a heart attack and never regained consciousness.
Early Life and Ministry
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart reportedly received the calling to preach by God at the age of 8, The Christian Post reported. He was later ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God denomination in 1961.
He rose to prominence as a preacher in the 1970s and 1980s including his radio ministry, television ministry and music ministry. Swaggart also launched several evangelism crusades across the U.S. and abroad, including an evangelism crusade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which had an estimated attendance of 125,000 people.
Swaggart, whose cousin is rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, was a musician in his own right as he released multiple albums throughout the decades and reportedly sold over 17 million recordings.
Scandals and Repentance
In a tearful confession in 1987, Swaggert acknowledged moral failings after photos surfaced that he left a hotel room with a prostitute in New Orleans.
"I have no one but myself to blame. I do not lay the fault or the blame of the charge at anyone else's feet. For no one is to blame but Jimmy Swaggart. I take the responsibility. I take the blame. I take the fault," he said at the time.
"To my fellow television ministers and evangelists, you that are already bearing an almost unbearable load, to continue to say and tell the great story of Jesus' love, I have made your load heavier and I have hurt you. Please forgive me for sinning against you."
Despite the scandal, Swaggart remained an independent Pentecostal preacher after being defrocked by the Assemblies of God. Swaggart would fall into scandal once again in 1991 after he was stopped by police while driving with another prostitute on the wrong side of the road and operating an unregistered vehicle.
Legacy in Christian Broadcasting
Several years following the scandals, Swaggart launched SonLife Radio Network in 1995, which would spread to dozens of stations in the U.S. and internationally. In April 2010, he began airing content after he launched SonLife Broadcasting Network.
Prayers for the Swaggart Family as They Grieve
"Please continue to lift up Sister Frances, Donnie, Debbie, Gabriel, Jill, Jennifer, Clif, Matt, Joanna, Sam, Ryder, Abby, Lola, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline and Mackenzie in your prayers," the statement by Swaggart's Facebook page said.
"The family would like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for their incredible support and care given during this time."
Originally published July 01, 2025.
