Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90 — The rise, fall, and legacy of a preacher who made headlines

Jimmy Swaggart, a famous televangelist and gospel musician, died at the age of 90. He’s one of America's most well-known and controversial preachers.

Jimmy Swaggart known for his international ministry and public scandals passed away on July 1. Swaggart's ministry, known for its rise to global prominence and infamous scandals in the 1980s, reached millions of people in 100 different countries. He continued to preach and broadcast until his death, leaving a long legacy and devoted family.

How is he being remembered today?

During a recent prayer service, family members stated that the Pentecostal preacher and televangelism pioneer was critically ill at a hospital in Louisiana following a cardiac arrest on June 15, as per a report by USA Today. The late musician, writer, and broadcaster's family had previously stated that they did not anticipate his survival.

Frances Swaggart, his wife of 70 years, is his surviving spouse.

“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," the post says.

"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.”

He leaves behind a multifaceted legacy of faith, fame, and forgiveness spanning over seven decades.

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Who was Jimmy Swaggart, and where was he born?

The late Willie Leon and Minnie Belle Swaggart welcomed Swaggart into the world on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana.

Growing up in Ferriday, a town in Concordia Parish that borders the Mississippi River on Louisiana's central-eastern border, Swaggart became a well-known evangelist for many years.

Swaggart's family claims that country music star Mickey Gilley and rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis were among his cousins.

How did Swaggart’s ministry reach millions worldwide?

According to his family, Swaggart, who wrote over 100 books and commentaries, led evangelistic crusades in over 40 countries, drawing tens of thousands of worshipers to stadiums.

He sold 17 million gospel albums during his career as a musician. Swaggart "faithfully attended small Assemblies of God churches in Ferriday and Wisner, Louisiana, where his passion for ministry first began to take root," according to his family.

Since beginning his full-time ministry in 1955, the preacher has developed into "one of the most recognized voices in Christian broadcasting," according to his family.

He started "The Campmeeting Hour," which was broadcast on over 700 stations in the United States, in 1969. "The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast" began airing in 1973 and has since expanded to over 100 countries weekly, with translations available in over a dozen languages.

At the age of 60, Swaggart established SonLife Radio Network in 1995, which now reaches over 300 million TV homes worldwide and spreads gospel programming throughout North America.

What scandals changed the course of his career?

After being exposed in a number of prostitution scandals in the 1980s, Swaggart was suspended and defrocked. His famous "I have sinned" speech was broadcast live on television in 1988, as per a report.

FAQs

What caused Jimmy Swaggart to die?
He suffered a cardiac arrest in mid-June and never recovered. He died on July 1 in a Louisiana hospital.

What was Jimmy Swaggart best known for?
Jimmy Swaggart was a pioneering televangelist with a global following, but he is also remembered for public scandals and his emotional "I have sinned" confession on live television.