Jimmy Swaggart, the Pentecostal televangelist whose multimillion-dollar ministry reached millions before being toppled by prostitution scandals, died Tuesday at age 90 after suffering cardiac arrest two weeks ago.
Swaggart's death was announced on his ministry's Facebook page, stating he had "finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ". The Louisiana native had been in critical condition since going into cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge home on Father's Day.
During the 1980s, Swaggart commanded one of the largest religious broadcasting empires in America. His weekly telecasts reached nearly 2 million viewers on 500 stations, while his monthly magazine reached more than 800,000 households1. The ministry earned $140 million yearly and employed over 1,000 people2.
His dramatic downfall began in 1988 when photographs surfaced showing him with a prostitute at a New Orleans motel13. In a tearful televised confession, Swaggart told parishioners nationwide: "I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me"3. He was defrocked by the Assemblies of God after rejecting the church's order for a two-year rehabilitation program34.
A second scandal emerged in 1991 when California Highway Patrol pulled him over with a woman who told officers she was a prostitute1. Rather than face his congregation again, Swaggart stepped down as head of his ministry, with his son Donnie taking over Sunday services1.
Swaggart's son told their congregation that "without a miracle, his time will be short" after the cardiac arrest1. Emergency personnel were able to revive his heartbeat, but he never regained consciousness1.
During his final weeks in the hospital, the ministry conducted fundraising efforts that drew criticism on social media, with some observers noting the timing coincided with appeals for donations2.
Despite the scandals, Swaggart rebuilt portions of his ministry as an independent, non-denominational preacher. He founded the SonLife Broadcasting Network and authored nearly 50 books, including a complete Bible commentary12. His Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge continued operating under his son's leadership.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Swaggart was "comfortable onstage and confident at the piano, working the masses into a fervor"1. He sold over 15 million gospel records worldwide and received a Grammy nomination3.
Swaggart is survived by his wife of 73 years, Frances, son Donnie, three grandchildren and several great-grandchildren4.
