Televangelist Rev. Jimmy Swaggart dead at 90 — weeks after suffering a heart attack https://t.co/lenoeQzd8E pic.twitter.com/4Ru6qY3P4g
— New York Post (@nypost) July 1, 2025
Famed televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90. Once a global voice in Christian broadcasting, his legacy is marked by revival, controversy, and redemption.
Renowned televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90, his family announced Tuesday. “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior,” they wrote.
Swaggart, a Grammy-nominated gospel performer and cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis, drew millions to his fiery sermons on SonLife Broadcasting Network. At his peak in the 1980s, he raised over $100 million annually.
Though known for preaching against immorality, Swaggart’s career was rocked by multiple prostitution scandals beginning in 1988. His tearful “I have sinned” speech became iconic. He was later defrocked by the Assemblies of God after further controversy in 1991, telling his congregation, “The Lord told me it’s flat none of your business.”
Despite setbacks, he continued preaching and launched SonLife in 2010. A key figure in the Christian Right, he backed Donald Trump in later years.
Swaggart was found unresponsive in June. “He never regained consciousness,” said his son Donnie. His family said, “His message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”