Rev. Jimmy Swaggart died of 90 after cardiac arrest
Pentecostal televangelist Jimmy Swaggart passed away at the age of 90. He died at Louisiana Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest in mid-June, according to a family statement.
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Famous televangelist Jimmy Swaggart passed away on Tuesday, July 1st in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his family and a spokesperson announced. He was 90 years old.
After cardiac arrest on June 15, Pentecostal preachers and pioneering televangelism were in danger at Louisiana Hospital, the family said during a prayer service last month.
Swaggart spokesman Megan Kelly told USA Today that the late pastor passed away around 7:30am local time while surrounded by his family.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that our brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered before his Savior, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he has sung for decades,” reads the announcement on his Facebook page. “He met his beloved Savior and entered the portal of glory. At the same time, he is pleased to know that he will one day see him.”
The late musician, author and the family of the broadcaster said he had not previously expected him to survive.
“I wish he could say (he’s) recovering and things are getting better, but there hasn’t changed,” said son Donnie Swaggart, a co-pastor at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, in a June 17 video released online after visiting his father in the hospital. “The bottom line is that without miracles… that’s the only thing we can expect.”
“The family wants to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for the incredible support and care they have been given during this period,” reads a recent post on social media.
Kelly said the Life Service celebration will be announced soon.
Swaggart hospitalization
Swaggart’s 70-year-old son, Donnie, said his father was found at his home around 8am and was revived before he was taken to a local hospital.
At the time of his death he was a co-pastor of the Family Worship Centre, which he founded.
“His voice echoed through the nations, his music softened the heart, his message never changed. Jesus Christ and He were crucified,” reads the July 1st post.
Where was Jimmy Swaggart born?
Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935 to the late Willie Leon and Minnie Bell Swaggart of Ferriday, Louisiana. He had one sister, the late Janet Ensminger, whose family confirmed their death in 1999.
For decades, Swaggart, a well-known evangelist, grew up in Feliday, a town in Concordia’s parish that borders the Mississippi River in central east Louisiana.
According to Swaggart’s family, his cousins included rock and roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and country music star Mickey Gilley.
Swaggart, who has written over 100 books and commentary, has served as evangelistic crusades in more than 40 countries and said his family will fill the stadium with tens of thousands of worshipers.
As a musician, he sold 17 million gospel albums.
Over 100 countries and 12 languages
Swaggart “faithfully attended small meetings at the Church of God in Feliday and Wisner, Louisiana, where his passion for ministry began to take root,” the family says.
His full-time ministry began in 1955, and the preacher became “one of the most recognized voices in Christian broadcasts,” the family reported.
In 1969 he launched “The Campmeeting Hour,” which aired on more than 700 US stations in 1973, and began “Jimmy Swaggart Television Broadcasts,” which eventually reached over 100 countries each week, translated into more than 12 languages.
During the 1980s exposure, Swaggart became involved in various prostitution scandals that led to his halt and thawing. In 1988, Swaggart delivered the infamous “I’ve Sinned” speech on live television.
In 1995, at the age of 60, Swaggart founded the Sonlife Radio Network, expanding gospel programming across North America, which is currently broadcast to more than 300 million television artists around the world.
In addition to his son and cousin, the preacher was survived by his wife of 70 years, Francis Swaggart. He also leaves his stepdaughter, Debbie Swaggart behind. his grandson, Gabriel Lee Swaggart and his wife, Jill; Jennifer Swaggart Maris and her husband, Cliff. Matthew Aaron Swaggart and his wife, Joanna; Additionally, he leaves behind nine great grandchildren, Samantha, Ryder, Abby, Laura, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline Francis and Mackenzie.
Contribution: Fernando Cervantes Jr.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA Today. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at x @natalieaLund.
