Jimmy Swaggart, Influential Televangelist, Passes Away at 90

Jimmy Swaggart, a well-known Pentecostal televangelist who faced significant challenges due to prostitution scandals in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 90.

The announcement of his death came Tuesday via his official Facebook page. As of Tuesday afternoon, no details about the cause of death were shared.

Pastor Travis Johnson expressed condolences on social media, stating, “I pray for the Swaggart family today, lamenting the death of their patriarch, Rev. Jimmy Swaggart. Few voices echoed all over the world like he did. I thank the hope we have in Jesus.”

Swaggart gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to his engaging sermon style, reaching millions of viewers. At the height of his career, his ministry brought in tens of millions of dollars annually, supported by his television shows, gospel music, and a Bible University, firmly establishing him as a leading figure in televangelism.

He was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, and had a musically gifted family background. Swaggart played gospel piano passionately, similar to the famous rock artist Jerry Lee Lewis and country singer Mickey Gilley. He felt a call to ministry at just eight years old and began preaching full-time after his time in the oil industry.

His career took a turn in 1988 when a photograph surfaced showing him with a prostitute in a New Orleans hotel. This came after a wave of scandals involving other televangelists of that time. In a heartfelt sermon, Swaggart admitted, “I have committed a crime against you,” yet he didn’t address the details of the incident.

Following this scandal, he was defrocked by the Assemblies of God for not completing a required two-year rehabilitation program, which included a one-year break from preaching. Eventually, he resigned from the denomination, citing the need to continue his mission and maintain his associated biblical college.

Swaggart faced further controversies in 1991 when he was stopped by California police while driving with several prostitutes. He received a citation for operating an unregistered vehicle, and reports suggested that he attempted to conceal pornographic materials during the encounter.

Despite ongoing preaching in the years that followed, he never fully regained the wide-reaching influence he once enjoyed.