Jimmy Swaggart, Pioneering Televangelist and Gospel Music Icon, Dies at 90

July 1, 2025 - BATON ROUGE, LA – July 1, 2025 - Jimmy Swaggart, the fiery Pentecostal preacher whose voice once echoed through millions of American homes and whose gospel music touched hearts around the world, died Tuesday morning at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at a Louisiana hospital after suffering cardiac arrest on June 15, according to a statement from his family and the SonLife Broadcasting Network.

Swaggart's death marks the end of an era in American religious broadcasting. For nearly seven decades, he was a towering figure in evangelical circles-equal parts preacher, musician, and media mogul-whose ministry reached across continents and languages.

"Today was the day he has sung about for decades," his family said in a statement. "He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory".

President Donald J. Trump (R) remembered Pastor Swaggart on his Truth Social account.

"Very sad, Jimmy Swaggart passed away today!" said President Trump. "He was an incredible Man of Faith and, as our Nation's longest serving Televangelist, inspired millions with his Great Love of God and Country. Our hearts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Frances, his son Donnie, and their entire family. Jimmy will be deeply missed!"

From Ferriday to the World Stage

Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart was raised in a deeply religious family. His cousins included rock-and-roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country star Mickey Gilley, but Swaggart chose a different path-one rooted in faith and service.

He began preaching full-time in 1955, often traveling to rural churches with his wife Frances, whom he married at age 17. In 1969, he launched a 15-minute radio program called The Campmeeting Hour, which grew to air on more than 700 stations. By 1973, The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast was born, eventually reaching over 100 countries and being translated into more than a dozen languages.

A Voice in Word and Song

Swaggart was not only a preacher but also a prolific gospel musician, recording more than 200 albums and selling over 20 million copies worldwide. His signature songs-such as "There Is a River" and "God Took Away My Yesterdays"-became staples in Pentecostal worship. In 2025, he was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, a final recognition of his musical legacy.

He also authored more than 100 books and Bible commentaries, including The Expositor's Study Bible, which has sold or been distributed in the millions.

Scandal and Redemption

Swaggart's ministry reached its zenith in the 1980s, when he was raising over $100 million annually and filling stadiums across the globe. But in 1988, his career was rocked by a prostitution scandal that led to his suspension and eventual defrocking by the Assemblies of God. His tearful "I have sinned" confession on live television became one of the most infamous moments in televangelist history.

Despite the fall from grace, Swaggart never left the pulpit. He continued preaching from his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge and launched the SonLife Broadcasting Network in 2010, which now reaches hundreds of millions of homes worldwide.

A Lasting Legacy

At the time of his death, Swaggart was still co-pastoring alongside his son Donnie Swaggart, and remained a central figure in his ministry. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 70 years, his son Donnie, daughter-in-law Debbie, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though his life was marked by both triumph and controversy, Jimmy Swaggart leaves behind a legacy of unwavering evangelism, musical inspiration, and global ministry. His voice may be silent, but his message-and music-will continue to resonate.