Jimmy Swaggart, Pentecostal Preacher and Televangelist, Dies at 90
Renowned Pentecostal preacher and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has passed away at the age of 90 after suffering cardiac arrest. His death was confirmed via a post on his official Instagram account on Tuesday.
The heartfelt announcement included a scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
The post continued:
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has completed his earthly race and has entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Today is the day he sang about for decades—he has met his beloved Savior and stepped into glory. While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the hope of reunion.”
“For more than 70 years, Brother Swaggart dedicated his life to preaching the gospel, singing songs of faith, and pointing millions to salvation through Jesus Christ and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. His voice resonated across nations, his music moved hearts, and his message remained consistent: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
“He was more than a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a living testimony to the grace and mercy of God. His unwavering faith led him through every door God opened, and the Lord honored that faith. Please continue to keep Sister Frances, Donnie, Debbie, Gabriel, Jill, Jennifer, Clif, Matt, Joanna, Sam, Ryder, Abby, Lola, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline, and Mackenzie in your prayers.”
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart experienced a profound spiritual calling at the age of eight that set him on the path to ministry. In 1952, at just 17, he married Frances Anderson, then 15, and together they had one son, Donnie.
He was ordained as a minister in 1961 by the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States.
Swaggart also had a notable gospel music career. A cousin of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, he sold over 17 million gospel albums throughout his lifetime.
His ministry grew significantly through media. In 1969, he launched a radio program titled The Campmeeting Hour, followed by the creation of The Evangelist magazine in 1970. By 1973, he expanded into television with The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart, a 30-minute TV program that eventually evolved into multilingual live broadcasts of church services.
In the 1980s, Swaggart led massive evangelical crusades across the U.S. and around the world. One of the most notable took place in October 1987 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drawing a crowd of approximately 125,000 people.
Despite facing public controversies, Swaggart remained a significant figure in the Pentecostal movement for decades, remembered for his powerful preaching, musical talent, and unwavering message of the cross.