Renowned Pentecostal preacher and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has passed away at the age of 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
His death was announced Tuesday in a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account.
Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7-8, the post read:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” It continued, “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. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. 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.”
The tribute praised Swaggart’s lifelong dedication to ministry, stating that for over 70 years, he preached the gospel, sang songs of faith, and reached millions with the message of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. “His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
Remembered as more than a preacher, the message described Swaggart as “a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God,” and asked for continued prayers for his wife Frances, son Donnie, and extended family.
Swaggart’s call to ministry began early in life. At the age of 8, he had a profound spiritual experience that led him to pursue preaching. In 1952, at just 17, he married 15-year-old Frances Anderson. The couple had one son, Donnie.
Ordained in 1961 by the Assemblies of God—the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States—Swaggart went on to build a global ministry.
A gifted musician and cousin of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, Swaggart sold over 17 million gospel albums throughout his career.
His influence grew through media. He launched his radio program, The Campmeeting Hour, in 1969, followed by the religious magazine The Evangelist in 1970. In 1973, he moved into television with a 30-minute broadcast titled The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart. His televised services were soon broadcast globally in multiple languages.
During the 1980s, Swaggart held large-scale crusades across the U.S. and internationally. One of his largest gatherings took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in October 1987, attracting an estimated 125,000 people.
Though his career was at times marred by scandal, Swaggart remained a prominent figure in Pentecostal Christianity, known for his fiery sermons, emotional gospel music, and enduring media presence.
