Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent Pentecostal preacher and gospel musician whose television ministry once reached millions worldwide, and then fell from grace after scandals, has died at the age of 90.
His family announced his passing on July 1, 2025, through a statement on his official Facebook page, quoting 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”
Swaggart suffered a cardiac arrest on June 15 at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and remained unconscious in hospital until his death.
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart began his full-time ministry in 1955. He launched his television program in 1973, eventually broadcasting to over 3,000 stations and cable systems weekly, reaching audiences in more than 100 countries. His passionate preaching and gospel music performances made him a household name in evangelical circles.
At the height of his influence in the 1980s, Swaggart's ministry reportedly generated $142 million annually.
However, his career faced significant setbacks due to personal scandals. In 1988, he was involved in a widely publicized incident with a sex worker, leading to his defrocking by the Assemblies of God after he refused to follow a mandated suspension and restoration process. A second scandal in 1991 further impacted his reputation.
His return to ministry following the scandals was marked by a shift to independent, non-denominational preaching. He resumed preaching at his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and continued his television broadcasts through Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and the SonLife Broadcasting Network. This independent approach allowed him to maintain his ministry without formal denominational oversight.
Swaggart was married to Frances Swaggart for over 70 years. He is survived by his wife, their son Donnie, and several grandchildren.
The family expressed gratitude to the staff at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for their care during his final days.