Jimmy Swaggart, the legendary American televangelist whose fiery sermons and gospel music once reached millions of homes across the world, has died at the age of 90. He passed away on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, after suffering a heart attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
His death was confirmed in a heartfelt message posted by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which read:
“Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Saviour, Jesus Christ. 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.”
For much of the 1980s, Swaggart was a dominant figure in Christian television. Broadcasting weekly from his Pentecostal church in Louisiana, his sermons were a mix of fire-and-brimstone preaching and emotional gospel music. Millions tuned in, and the donations flowed in kind—his ministry pulled in hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
He was considered part of the “televangelism royalty” alongside other major names like Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Jim Bakker. His voice—both in the pulpit and through music—had a powerful grip on conservative Christian America.
Scandal and Confession
But Swaggart’s rise came crashing down in 1987 when a scandal broke: he had been caught with a prostitute at a New Orleans motel. The news sent shockwaves through his devout following and the broader Christian community.
A year later, Swaggart delivered what would become one of the most infamous moments in televangelism history—a tearful televised confession. Choking through sobs, he declared:
“I have sinned against you, my Lord,” he said, weeping before his congregation and global audience. “I beg you, forgive me.”
Following the confession, the Assemblies of God stripped him of his ministerial credentials, cutting formal ties with the preacher who once led one of the world’s largest Christian audiences.
Despite the fall from grace, Swaggart kept preaching. He rebuilt a smaller but loyal following through his own church, the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. His SonLife Broadcasting Network kept his sermons and music on air, especially among older, longtime fans who stuck with him.
Swaggart is survived by his wife Frances, his son Donnie Swaggart, and several grandchildren. Many of them are still involved in the family ministry.
Funeral and memorial service details are expected to be announced by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in the coming days.
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