Jimmy Swaggart, one of the most popular and controversial televangelists and preachers in the country, died on July 1, 2025, after experiencing cardiac arrest on June 15, according to an announcement on social media published by his family.
For background, Jimmy Swaggart, the longest-running TV evangelist in America, suffered cardiac arrest on June 15, 2025, and was rushed to the hospital and was in critical condition for several weeks, according to ongoing updates from his son, Donnie Swaggart. On July 1, Swaggart’s Facebook page announced his passing.
Writing on Facebook, Swaggart’s page announced his passing with 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Continuing, the announcement read, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.” Moreover, the announcement explained that Swaggart had “sung about” going to heaven “for decades,” adding, “He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
Moreover, the announcement explained that Swaggart had been active in ministry “for over seven decades,” saying that he “poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” The post added that Swaggart’s message “never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
Swaggart’s ministry began in 1961, when he was ordained in the Assemblies of God denomination. Just over a decade later, Swaggart began his long-running 30-minute TV program, titled “The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart.” In the decades that followed, he became one of the most-viewed televangelists in the country.
However, Swaggart’s career was marked by controversy, beginning in 1988 when he famously confessed to having been involved with a prostitute in New Orleans. In his confession, Swaggart told his congregation, “I have no one but myself to blame. I do not lay the fault or the blame of the charge at anyone else’s feet. For no one is to blame but Jimmy Swaggart. I take the responsibility. I take the blame. I take the fault.”
Following his confession, Swaggart was removed from the Assemblies of God denomination, but he continued his career as an independent Pentecostal pastor until his death. Importantly, Swaggart was caught with a prostitute once again in 1991, but he retained a loyal following for decades afterwards.
Featured image credit: Jimmy Swaggart via Facebook