Rev. Jimmy Lee Swaggart, one of the most influential American televangelists of the 20th century, passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 90 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His death marked the end of a remarkable seven-decade career devoted to preaching, gospel music, and international evangelism.
Swaggart suffered a heart attack on the morning of June 15, 2025—which happened to be Father’s Day. According to reports, his son Donnie and grandson Gabe were with him at the time and immediately performed CPR until emergency responders arrived and managed to restore his pulse.
He was rushed to Baton Rouge General Medical Center, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition. For more than two weeks, Swaggart remained unconscious and did not show signs of improvement. His family issued regular updates, asking the public for prayers and acknowledging that only a miracle could change the outcome.
On July 1, after 17 days in the hospital, his death was confirmed by the family, who said he had «finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.”
A Legacy of Faith—and Controversy
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart was a cousin of rock and roll legends Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. From a young age, he combined his musical talent with a deep religious calling. By the 1970s, he had become a central figure in American televangelism, with his Sunday broadcasts reaching over 100 countries via his SonLife Broadcasting Network.
In addition to preaching, Swaggart was a prolific gospel musician, recording dozens of albums and drawing millions of weekly viewers at the height of his popularity.
American television evangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggart haranguing his audience on stage. Rick Maiman/Sygma via Getty Images
However, his career was not without controversy. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Swaggart was involved in a series of public sex scandals that led to his temporary fall from grace and the loss of a significant portion of his audience. Despite this, he never stopped preaching and eventually returned to broadcasting, maintaining a loyal base of followers.
Honors and Farewell
Just one day before his death, Swaggart was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, a symbolic recognition of his lifelong impact on Christian music and evangelism.
In their public statement, the Swaggart family described his passing in spiritual terms:
«Today was the day he had sung about for decades. His earthly journey is complete, but his voice and message will continue to echo in the hearts of millions.» Swaggart is survived by his wife Frances, his son Donnie, three grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
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