Jimmy Swaggart, one of the earliest televangelists to captivate millions with his preaching, passed away in Louisiana after a two-week hospital stay, a family spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. He was 90 years old.
A heartfelt tribute on his official Facebook page read, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The message continued, “He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. Yet, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
Swaggart’s career soared to incredible heights before a high-profile scandal shook his ministry, leaving a lasting impact on his legacy. Despite the trials, his influence on American televangelism remains undeniable.
Jimmy Swaggart was hospitalized on June 15 after suffering cardiac arrest, his family revealed. During this critical time, his son Donnie Swaggart openly shared that his father “needed a miracle” and that “his time is short.”
Born March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Jimmy Lee Swaggart grew up immersed in faith. He began preaching as a teenager and married Frances Anderson when he was just 17 and she was 15. The couple endured years of hardship, living in poverty and preaching in small churches and motels.
Swaggart’s breakthrough came in 1969 with the start of his radio broadcasts, followed by the launch of the “Jimmy Swaggart Telecast” in 1971. By the early 1980s, his ministry had gone national, reaching millions every week. He also founded the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge and established a Bible college, expanding his spiritual influence.
Beyond preaching, Swaggart made his mark as a gospel singer, selling over 15 million albums and earning a Grammy nomination. His ministry’s reach extended internationally, attracting huge crowds across Latin America, Africa, and beyond.
In 1988, Jimmy Swaggart’s soaring career came crashing down when he was caught with a prostitute in a motel, sparking a scandal that rocked the religious world. On live television, he delivered a tearful, now-infamous confession during the “I Have Sinned” broadcast — a moment that shocked millions.
The consequences were swift and severe: Swaggart lost his credentials with the Assemblies of God, and many of his shows were canceled.
Then, in 1991, history repeated itself when he was again caught with a sex worker during a traffic stop in California. Unlike before, Swaggart chose not to make a public confession and instead took a brief hiatus from preaching.
The scandals dealt a heavy blow to Swaggart’s ministry. Enrollment at his Bible college plummeted, donations dried up, and many longtime supporters turned away.
Yet, undeterred by the setbacks, Swaggart forged a new path. In 2007, he launched the SonLife Broadcasting Network, reclaiming his voice and continuing to lead the Family Worship Center with renewed determination.