Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died at age 90, just over two weeks after suffering a severe heart attack at his Baton Rouge home on Father’s Day.
The iconic preacher and gospel singer had been unconscious and hospitalized since the cardiac arrest, with his family asking for prayers and preparing for the worst. His son, Donnie Swaggart, previously revealed that unless a miracle happened, the end was near. That moment sadly arrived on Tuesday when Swaggart “finished his earthly race,” as confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared to his official Facebook page.
Swaggart was rushed to the hospital on June 16, where emergency responders administered CPR at the scene. Megan Kelly, a spokesperson for Swaggart Family Ministries, shared how emotional that morning was, noting, “They gave him CPR, they took turns doing it, and you can imagine how emotional that was and how stressful that was in that moment.”
His death came just one day after he was officially inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, a long-awaited recognition he learned about on his birthday in March. Kelly described the honor as “bittersweet,” saying, “His life and his legacy have touched so many, and we’re just honored to be a part of this.” Donnie is expected to accept the award on his father’s behalf at the official ceremony scheduled for September.
The Facebook statement announcing Swaggart’s death included a scripture from 2 Timothy and called his life a testimony to “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” For more than 70 years, Jimmy Swaggart’s voice, sermons, and music were broadcast across nations. He started preaching via radio in the 1960s, launched his television ministry in 1975, and soon became one of the world’s most well-known televangelists, reaching millions of homes worldwide.
Despite his public fall from grace in the late 1980s, when a prostitution scandal led to him being defrocked by the Assemblies of God, Swaggart pressed on with his ministry. He founded Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and the Jimmy Swaggart Bible College in Baton Rouge, staying active in preaching, music, and broadcasting until very recently.
The announcement of his passing was filled with both grief and celebration of a life spent in service to his faith. “He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory,” the family wrote, asking for prayers for Swaggart’s wife Frances, their son Donnie, and their extended family.
His last days were spent surrounded by love, with his family grateful to celebrate one final major achievement. Though his voice may have gone silent here on Earth, his influence in the world of gospel music and faith-based broadcasting will remain unforgettable.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
