Jimmy Swaggart, America’s longest-running televangelist, dies at 90 as family pays tribute to a 'warrior'

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: Jimmy Swaggart, the longtime televangelist known for his booming sermons and gospel music, has died at 90, weeks after suffering a heart attack in his Baton Rouge home.

The reverend had been in critical condition since June 14 and died surrounded by family.

Jimmy Swaggart’s family announces his death

His family confirmed his death on Facebook Tuesday morning, remembering him as a man who devoted his life to preaching and worship.

Swaggart was hospitalized after collapsing at home, with two friends performing CPR before emergency crews arrived.

The Swaggart family shared a heartfelt tribute online, writing, “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."

The post added, “Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory.”

The family praised Swaggart's lifelong devotion, stating, “For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

They described him as “a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God.”

They also thanked the staff at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for their care and support during his final days, as the official cause is yet to be revealed. 

Donnie Swaggart recalls dramatic moments before his father Jimmy's collapse

Donnie Swaggart, who is also a preacher, had earlier revealed his father’s condition had rapidly worsened. Speaking at a prayer service, he told the congregation, “Without a miracle, his time is short,” as reported by The New York Times.

Donnie said his father suffered cardiac arrest on June 15 while at home with his wife. Friends rushed to perform CPR until paramedics arrived.

According to TMZ, Donnie had picked up the reverend for Bible study the day before, and Swaggart, though feeling unwell, insisted on going to church for prayer and slumped over in the vehicle.

His representative, Megan Kelly, told the outlet, “Jimmy had no preexisting conditions or anything previously diagnosed, but he had been experiencing falls recently.”

Jimmy Swaggart’s rise from small-town roots to global reach

The New York Times noted Jimmy Swaggart’s rise to global prominence, writing, “Swaggart’s voice and passion carried him to fame and riches that he could scarcely have dreamed of in his small-town boyhood.”

In the mid-1980s, his ministry had a TV presence in more than 140 countries and drew in up to $500,000 daily from donations, Bible courses, and gospel merchandise.

The paper described him as a commanding stage presence, writing, “Swaggart strode the stage like a bear, his voice thundering with emotion, dropping to a near-whisper, then rising again... as he spoke of his love for God and his disdain for the Devil.”

One of his signature lines, it noted, was, “Satan, you’re in for a whupping!”

However, Swaggart’s career suffered a major setback in 1987 after getting involved in a scandal. 

Times noted, in 1988, he confessed to misconduct. Before 7,000 followers in Baton Rouge, he turned to his wife, Frances, saying, “Oh, I have sinned against you, and I beg your forgiveness.”

He added, “I have sinned against you, my Lord, and I would ask that your precious blood would wash and cleanse every stain.” Many in the crowd, it reported, wept, some falling to their knees.

Tributes pour in for Jimmy Swaggart

Social media was filled with tributes following Jimmy Swaggart’s death, with many recalling his spiritual influence and music.

“I knew Brother Jimmy Swaggart for most all my life when he lived in Ferriday, Louisiana,” one Facebook user wrote. “Rest in Peace, my Brother, you have earned your place in Glory.”

Another shared, “His impact in the Kingdom is so mighty. Will forever be grateful for helping me understand the message of the Cross and for gifting me and my Wife the expositor's bible.”

On X, someone wrote, “Sending prayers what a great musician and pastor.”

Others remembered Swaggart’s controversies, too. One comment read, “He'll get to answer that ultimate question: was he really working for God or himself? I hope it was God.”

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