American gospel singer and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90.
Swaggart passed away on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest on June 15. Though he initially responded to medical care, his condition did not improve.
He gained widespread recognition in the 1980s as one of the most influential televangelists in the United States. His large-scale crusades drew massive crowds, while his emotional sermons and gospel music reached millions through television broadcasts. His gospel albums sold in the millions, and his ministry attracted global attention.
A statement from his ministry described his passing as the fulfillment of the moment he had long preached and sung about. “Brother Swaggart has completed his journey and is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ,” the message read. “He preached for more than seventy years, lifting lives through worship and the gospel of Christ.”
The statement added, “His voice touched nations, his music stirred hearts, and his message always remained clear—Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was not only a preacher, but also a worshipper and a witness to God’s grace.”
Swaggart’s career, however, faced a major setback in 1988 when he tearfully confessed to moral failure during a televised address. His confession followed media reports and photographs linking him to a sex worker at a motel in New Orleans.
Following the scandal, church leaders advised him to take a year-long break and undergo counseling, but he declined. As a result, he was defrocked and stripped of his ministerial credentials. Despite the controversy, Swaggart resumed preaching three months later and appealed for financial support to sustain his ministry.
In his autobiography To Cross a River, co-authored with Robert Paul Lamb and published in 1977, Swaggart shared that he felt called to ministry at the age of eight. He left school early and married Frances Anderson when he was 17. Frances remained his partner in both life and ministry.
Jimmy Swaggart is survived by his wife, Frances; their son, Donnie Swaggart, who also serves in ministry; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
