Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who rose to stardom in the 1980s after pioneering televised ministries, died Tuesday at age 90. His family confirmed his passing, following a two-week hospitalization at Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Louisiana. He had been battling health issues, including a heart attack last month.
Jimmy Swaggart had acquired a global audience with his theatrical sermons and grew his ministry into a multi-million-dollar business. He lived in a sprawling home in Baton Rouge and traveled by private jet.
A statement on his Facebook page read, “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. 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.”
Jimmy Swaggart had an ability to captivate his audiences, as many worshippers claimed to be filled by the Holy Spirit during his sermons. He was also involved in numerous scandals throughout his life in the spotlight.
In October 1987, he was photographed entering a motel in New Orleans with a woman. The woman later described their numerous encounters as “pornographic.” Jimmy Swaggart responded to the scandal at his World Faith Center in Baton Rouge with an apology-ridden sermon begging his followers for forgiveness
Again, in October 1991, Jimmy Swaggart was pulled over by police in California while in the company of a prostitute. While less remorseful the second time around, his son Donnie Swaggart said his father would seek medical and spiritual help.
Though his scandals facilitated his fall from grace as a beloved Evangelist preacher, Jimmy Swaggart was always a hypnotizing public speaker, quick to condemn the Devil. His sermons also never failed to include a slew of controversial opinions, including a dismissive attitude towards Catholics and Jewish people, often embraced by his followers.
President Donald Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social, “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. Jimmy will be deeply missed!”
Jimmy Swaggart is survived by his wife, son, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son, Donnie Swaggart, followed in his father’s footsteps as a preacher.
