Jimmy Swaggart, a well-known American Pentecostal televangelist whose ministry once reached millions across the globe, has died at the age of 90 following a brief illness, his family announced on Tuesday via his official Instagram page.
In a heartfelt statement, the family said, “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of his Saviour, Jesus Christ… His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
Swaggart dedicated more than 70 years to preaching, gospel music, and evangelism. He built a global following through his radio broadcasts, print magazine, and especially his television ministry, which made him a household name in the 1980s.
A Life of Music and Ministry
Born on 15 March 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana, into a poor but musically gifted family, Swaggart displayed talent on the piano from an early age. He was cousin to legendary musicians Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. Swaggart said he felt the call of God at just eight years old and later gave up work in the oil fields to enter full-time ministry by age 23.
His ministry quickly grew, marked by fiery sermons, spirited gospel performances, and strict evangelical doctrine. By the mid-1980s, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries had become a multimillion-dollar empire, with reported revenues of $142 million in 1986. His Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, served as the headquarters of his religious broadcasts and bible college.
Scandals and Setbacks
Despite his influence, Swaggart’s reputation suffered major blows due to personal scandals. In 1988, he was embroiled in a sex scandal after being photographed with a known prostitute in New Orleans. The incident, widely publicised, led to a dramatic televised confession in which Swaggart, in tears, declared, “I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me.”
Following the scandal, the Assemblies of God defrocked him after he refused to submit to a mandated two-year rehabilitation process. Though he resigned from the denomination, he continued preaching with a significantly reduced following.
Swaggart’s troubles continued in 1991 when he was again found in the company of a prostitute in California. These controversies were further amplified by his rivalry with fellow preacher Marvin Gorman, whom Swaggart had earlier accused of sexual misconduct. It was later revealed that Gorman had orchestrated the surveillance that exposed Swaggart’s actions.
Later Years
Though he faded from the mainstream spotlight, Swaggart never stepped away from the pulpit. He remained active in his church and was regularly seen preaching alongside his son, Donnie Swaggart. His radio network continued broadcasting gospel music and sermons to audiences across 21 U.S. states and online.
In 2004, he drew brief controversy again after making inflammatory remarks about homosexuality, which he later apologised for. He made public appearances at high-profile funerals, including that of Louisiana Secretary of State Fox McKeithen in 2005, and participated in memorial events for his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis in 2022.
Swaggart’s legacy is mixed—celebrated by many for his evangelistic zeal and gospel music, but tarnished by scandals that reshaped perceptions of American televangelism.
Despite the controversies, his influence on global Pentecostalism and gospel broadcasting is undeniable. His Family Worship Center and ministry headquarters in Baton Rouge remain active to this day.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Swaggart, his son Donnie, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.