Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90: 10 things to know about the US televangelist
Renowned American televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has passed away at the age of 90, marking the end of an era in Pentecostal broadcasting. His death followed a cardiac arrest he suffered on June 15, 2025, at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Swaggart was a towering figure in global evangelical circles throughout the late 20th century, reaching millions with his fiery sermons, gospel music, and syndicated television ministry. Despite being marred by public scandals, Swaggart remained a household name in American Christianity, known as much for his dramatic fall from grace as for his unwavering return to the pulpit. As tributes pour in from across the world, here are 10 key facts that define his complex legacy.
1. Death at 90 Following Cardiac Arrest
Jimmy Swaggart passed away on July 1, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after suffering a cardiac arrest on June 15. He was in critical condition for over two weeks before his passing, confirmed by a family spokesperson. His death marks the end of a turbulent but influential religious career that spanned over six decades.
2. Early Life and Ministry Beginnings
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart came from a family deeply rooted in faith and music. He married his wife, Frances, at the age of 17 and began his ministry in 1955, preaching in rural churches and revival tents before transitioning into radio and television broadcasting.
3. Rise to Televangelist Prominence
Swaggart launched his weekly television program in 1973, which quickly grew into one of the most-watched Christian broadcasts in the U.S. He founded the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge and established the SonLife Broadcasting Network, which brought his sermons into millions of homes worldwide.
4. Musical Ministry and Gospel Impact
In addition to preaching, Swaggart was an accomplished gospel pianist and vocalist. He recorded over 200 albums and sold between 15 to 20 million copies globally. He earned a Grammy nomination and was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in religious music history.
5. Scandals and Fall from Grace
Swaggart’s career was dramatically interrupted in 1988 when he was caught in a prostitution scandal. A second incident in 1991 further damaged his reputation. His emotional, televised confessions became iconic moments in American media, and he was eventually defrocked by the Assemblies of God.
6. Resilience and Return to Ministry
Despite public shame and financial loss, his ministry’s revenue dropped from $150 million annually to just $11 million, Swaggart returned to the pulpit as an independent pastor. He rebuilt his base through loyal followers and continued preaching well into his late 80s.
7. Family and Personal Life
Swaggart was married to Frances Swaggart for more than 70 years. The couple had one son, Donnie Swaggart, who has since taken on leadership roles within the ministry. He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom are involved in the church.
8. Global Evangelistic Influence
Swaggart held evangelical crusades in countries such as Argentina, South Africa, and Russia. At the peak of his popularity in the 1980s, his broadcasts reached over 104 countries and generated enormous financial support, rivaling other major televangelists of the era.
9. Legacy of Media and Publishing
Swaggart built a media empire that included television, radio, a monthly magazine (The Evangelist), and a Bible college. He authored over 50 books and biblical commentaries, including the widely circulated Expositor’s Study Bible, still popular among Pentecostal circles.
10. Final Years and Cultural Memory
Despite his health challenges, Swaggart remained active in the ministry throughout 2024 and early 2025, even making occasional appearances at the Family Worship Center. His death leaves behind a complicated but undeniable legacy, one that shaped American televangelism and gospel outreach for generations.
