Jimmy Swaggart, Baton Rouge: the fiery Pentecostal preacher whose global television ministry once defined an era of American evangelicalism—and whose dramatic public downfall in the late 1980s became a cultural flashpoint—died early Tuesday morning, July 1, at age 90. According to his family, Swaggart had suffered cardiac arrest on June 15 and passed away peacefully at a Baton Rouge hospital.
Once one of the most recognized voices in religious broadcasting, Swaggart’s rise was as meteoric as his fall was public. At the height of his influence in the 1980s, his ministry reached millions of households across more than 100 countries through “The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast,” bringing Pentecostal preaching and gospel music into mainstream media. His ministry’s estimated revenue exceeded $120 million annually, making it one of the largest religious broadcasting operations of its time.
Born March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart grew up surrounded by gospel and country music. He was the cousin of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country star Mickey Gilley. Swaggart began preaching in 1955, and by 1971 had founded Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. He gained national traction through his impassioned sermons, old-time revivalist style, and Southern gospel piano performances.
But his global following unraveled in 1988, when reports surfaced of Swaggart’s involvement with a prostitute in a New Orleans motel. What followed was one of the most memorable moments in televangelism history: Swaggart, tearfully addressing his congregation on live television, delivered his now-iconic “I have sinned” confession. The scandal led to his suspension from the Assemblies of God, a significant loss of financial support, and a steep decline in viewership.
In 1991, Swaggart was again linked to a prostitution-related incident in California. This time, he offered no public apology. The second scandal cemented his fall from mainstream evangelical leadership, yet he continued preaching outside denominational oversight.
Despite public disgrace, Swaggart never abandoned his ministry. Over time, he restructured operations and launched the SonLife Broadcasting Network in 2010, which aired sermons, gospel concerts, and religious programs. While his audience was smaller, it remained deeply loyal. The ministry today is led in part by his son, Donnie Swaggart, and continues to operate in Baton Rouge, including the Family Worship Center and affiliated Bible college.
Swaggart’s style and message often sparked controversy. He frequently denounced rock music, Catholicism, homosexuality, and other topics in stark terms, drawing criticism from both secular and religious groups. Yet his raw, emotional delivery and fervent calls for repentance resonated with millions.
His life was also a study in contrasts: musical talent and spiritual fervor, ambition and public failure, repentance and resilience. He built a religious empire but became a cautionary symbol of the perils of unchecked power and personal transgression within ministry.
Swaggart is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Frances Swaggart, their son Donnie, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family said in a statement: “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of his Savior. He lived what he preached—redemption, grace, and endurance.”
Funeral arrangements are being made by the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, with services expected to be live-streamed on SonLife Broadcasting Network. A memorial program and retrospective of his life and ministry will follow later this week.
Swaggart’s story will remain one of the most complex in American evangelical history—a preacher who touched millions with his music and message, fell under the weight of scandal, yet kept preaching to the end. His legacy is one of influence, controversy, and enduring faith amid public failure.
