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Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart Has 'Finished His Earthly Race,' Passes Away at 90

07-01-2025
Television preacher Jimmy Swaggart emphasizes a point as he speaks to more than 10,000 people in the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, March 27, 1987 during a revival meeting marking the start of three-day crusade in the Southland. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Television preacher Jimmy Swaggart emphasizes a point as he speaks to more than 10,000 people in the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, March 27, 1987 during a revival meeting marking the start of three-day crusade in the Southland. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart passed away Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest last month at his Louisiana home. He was 90 years old.

His ministry announced online, "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. 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."

Swaggart had suffered cardiac arrest on June 15. Medical personnel were able to revive a heartbeat and rush him to the hospital. He then received further medical care but was unable to recover.

"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. His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified," the ministry announced.

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"He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith."

Assemblies of God General Superintendent Doug Clay issued a statement as well, saying, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. His life and ministry touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on our world Assemblies of God family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Swaggart family and Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. On behalf of our World AG family, may the God of all comfort canopy them with His presence."

While Swaggart faced scandal decades ago, Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, told CBN News in a statement that the Louisiana-based minister ended his race well. He said, "Honoring the life and legacy of a great man today. He finished stronger than he began and won millions of souls. His wife and family continue in his legacy to share Christ with the world. What more could anyone ask for? Home at last!"

EARLIER REPORT:

Two weeks ago, Swaggart's son, Rev. Donnie Swaggart, described the cardiac incident during a special Sunday evening prayer service at the Family Worship Center and also asked for prayer for his father. 

"He never regained consciousness," Donnie Swaggart said. "We both took turns giving him chest compressions until the EMT could get there. I've never seen so many people arrive at one time, and I want to thank them. They were able to get a heartbeat back. Right now he is in the ICU and without a miracle, his time will be short. But we believe in God — we're not giving up." 

He added that the family "will give the Lord an opportunity to work."

Donnie later posted to Instagram, writing, "I thank everyone who has been praying with us already today. We can feel those prayers touching heaven."

Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, in  Ferriday, Louisiana. After a "dramatic salvation experience" at the age of eight, Swaggart felt the call to ministry. He launched into full-time ministry in 1955. He then served as the pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and ran the SonLife Broadcasting Network.

At the height of his ministry, Swaggart was the top-rated preacher in America, with his program broadcasting in two million homes. The Louisiana-native was also a recording artist who sold more than 15 million albums and authored nearly 50 books. 

In 1988, Swaggart made national headlines when he was photographed outside of a New Orleans-area hotel with a prostitute. In a tearful televised apology, Swaggart admitted to sinning but did not specify the nature of his moral failure. 

He was defrocked by the Assemblies of God denomination but continued to preach. 

Three years later, he was stopped by police with another suspected prostitute in his car in Indio, California. 

Swaggart continued to preach despite the scandals, although his ministry never regained the same level of notoriety. It currently operates out of Baton Rouge, running TV and radio networks, a school, and a Bible college. 

Please pray for the Swaggart family. The ministry requests, "Please continue to lift up Sister Frances, Donnie, Debbie, Gabriel, Jill, Jennifer, Clif, Matt, Joanna, Sam, Ryder, Abby, Lola, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline and Mackenzie in your prayers."

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