JUST IN: Popular American Televangelist Dies Weeks After Cardiac Arrest

Popular American Televangelist Dies

Jimmy Swaggart, the influential American televangelist and gospel musician whose ministry once drew millions of followers around the world, has died at the age of 90. He passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Swaggart rose to national prominence in the 1980s through his fiery sermons, televised crusades, and gospel music, which earned widespread popularity and commercial success. His broadcasts, often marked by emotional preaching and music performances, were staples in many American households and reached international audiences. His gospel albums sold in the millions, and his ministry generated substantial revenue through donations and media programming.

His death follows a reported cardiac arrest on June 15. Though he initially survived after receiving medical attention, he ultimately was unable to recover. In a statement, his ministry wrote, “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.” The message praised his seven-decade-long ministry, calling him a “worshipper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God.”

Swaggart’s career, however, was marred by scandal. In 1988, he delivered a tearful confession on national television, admitting to moral failings without specifying details. The admission came shortly after photographs emerged of Swaggart with a sex worker at a motel outside New Orleans. “I have sinned against you, and I beg you to forgive me,” he told his followers and God in the emotional broadcast.

Following the confession, church elders suspended him from preaching and urged him to undergo counselling, but Swaggart refused and was eventually defrocked. Despite losing his official church credentials, he returned to the pulpit just three months later and continued his ministry independently, though with diminished influence.

Born in 1935, Swaggart wrote in his 1977 autobiography *To Cross a River* that he felt called to ministry at the age of eight. He left high school early and married Frances Anderson when he was 17; she was 15. Frances remained his wife and close collaborator throughout his life.

Jimmy Swaggart is survived by Frances, their son Donnie Swaggart, three grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.