Jimmy Swaggart, Televangelist and Preacher, Dies at 90 After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

Renowned Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Passes Away at the Age of 90

Jimmy Swaggart, the renowned Pentecostal televangelist and preacher, has passed away at the age of 90. The sad news was shared by his family in a statement on July 1 on his official Facebook page. The statement expressed the family’s heavy hearts as they announced Swaggart’s peaceful departure. They shared, “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.”

Swaggart had suffered a cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge, Louisiana home on June 15. His family’s statement upon his passing conveyed both sorrow and hope, stating, “Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”

The acclaimed preacher had been in critical condition following the cardiac arrest, as reported by WWLTV. A statement posted on his Facebook page on June 17 had indicated that there had been no change in his condition. The family had asked for prayers during this difficult time, especially for Sister Swaggart, Jimmy’s wife of over 70 years.

During a prayer service in June, Swaggart’s son Donnie had shared the news of his father’s cardiac arrest and had somberly commented, “Without a miracle, his time will be short.” Donnie is the son of Jimmy and Frances Swaggart, who had been married for over seven decades. The couple tied the knot on October 10, 1952, when Jimmy was just 17 years old.

Survived by three grandchildren, Jimmy Swaggart had a profound impact on the world of evangelism. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, on March 15, 1935, he began his full-time ministry in 1955 and released his first album, Some Golden Daybreak, just three years later. Throughout his career, he sold over 17 million records and founded the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge in 1971.

Swaggart’s television journey commenced in 1973 with the production of a weekly program titled The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart. He later established the empire known as Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which included the SonLife Broadcasting Network launched in 2010. The website notes that Jimmy preached the gospel of Jesus Christ on television longer than any other American evangelist in history.

Despite facing a scandal in 1988 involving a New Orleans sex worker, Swaggart was able to make a comeback and continue his ministry. Megan Kelly, a spokesperson for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, acknowledged the challenges he had faced but highlighted the positive impact of his work, stating, “The lives saved. The lives that have been touched through his ministry are endless.”

Jimmy Swaggart’s health had been declining over the years, leading up to his passing. His legacy in the world of evangelical preaching will be remembered by many who were touched by his words and ministry. Swaggart leaves behind a lasting impact on the religious community and beyond. News of his passing has been met with both sadness and reflection on his profound influence during his lifetime.