Jimmy Swaggart Bio, Age, Wife, Death, Controversy, Songs, Net Worth
Jimmy Swaggart Biography
Jimmy Lee Swaggart (March 15, 1935 – July 1, 2025) was a renowned Pentecostal televangelist, pastor, author, and gospel musician. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, he felt called to ministry at age eight. He launched full‑time ministry in 1955 and began radio broadcasts in the early 1960s.
In 1971, he founded the Family Worship Center. By 1973, his weekly TV show, The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast, aired nationally. Later in 2010, he launched the 24‑hour SonLife Broadcasting Network. He wrote about 50 Christian books and sold over 17 million gospel records.
In February 1988, scandal struck when he was photographed with a prostitute. He tearfully confessed on live television and later was defrocked by the Assemblies of God. A second similar scandal followed in 1991. Despite this, he continued ministry independently and maintained a loyal audience.
In June 2025, Jimmy suffered cardiac arrest at home in Baton Rouge and never regained consciousness. He passed away on July 1, 2025, aged 90. He is survived by his wife Frances, married over 70 years, their son Donnie, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren.
Swaggart built one of America’s most influential televangelist ministries, blending charismatic preaching, gospel music, and global broadcasting. Despite controversy, he remained steadfast and left a lasting religious legacy.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Age at Death: Televangelist Dies at 90 After Cardiac Arrest
How old was Jimmy Swaggart?
Jimmy Lee Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He celebrated his 90th birthday in March 2025. Sadly, he passed away on July 1, 2025, at age 90, following a June cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge home.
Thus, he was exactly 90 years and 108 days old at his death.
Jimmy Swaggart Height
Jimmy Swaggart stood approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His height complemented his strong stage presence and charismatic preaching style. Despite his average stature, he commanded attention on national television and at large religious gatherings. His physical presence, combined with his voice and message, helped build a lasting legacy in American televangelism.
Jimmy Swaggart Wife
Who was Jimmy Swaggart’s first wife?
Frances Swaggart (born August 9, 1937) married Swaggart on October 10, 1952, when she was 15 and he was 17. Over more than 70 years, she co‑pastored Family Worship Center and hosted “Frances & Friends” on SonLife Broadcasting Network. Frances supported her husband through scandals and ministry growth. Together, they raised their son Donnie Swaggart and built a lasting religious legacy.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Wife’s Age
How old is Frances Swaggart?
Frances Swaggart was born on August 9, 1937, making her 87 years old as of early 2025. She married Swaggart in October 1952 at age 15 and remains his devoted wife. Furthermore, she supports ministry as co-pastor and hosts “Frances & Friends” on SonLife Broadcasting Network. Her sustained faith and leadership reinforce the strength of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Son | Children
Donnie Swaggart was born on October 18, 1954, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He serves as Executive Vice-President of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and co-pastors the Family Worship Center Church. Moreover, he preaches internationally and hosts “Holy Spirit Night” at annual campmeetings. Donnie also leads crusades and speaks on the Holy Spirit. Likewise, he ministers alongside his wife Debbie and their three children.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Family: Generations of Ministry from Frances to Gabriel
Jimmy Swaggart married Frances Swaggart in October 1952 and shared over 70 years together. They had one son, Donnie Swaggart (born 1954), who now co-leads the ministry. Their family includes three grandchildren—Jennifer, Gabriel, and Matthew—and nine great-grandchildren. Moreover, fourth‑generation pastor Gabriel Swaggart now serves at Family Worship Center . This multi‑generational ministry highlights their enduring religious legacy.
Jimmy Swaggart Controversy: Prostitution Scandals, Defrocking, Ministry Fallout
What led to the downfall of Jimmy Swaggart?
Jimmy Swaggart faced major scandals in the late 1980s. In February 1988, he appeared with a New Orleans prostitute, then confessed tearfully on live television. He resigned from the Assemblies of God and later was defrocked. Furthermore, in October 1991, police caught him with another prostitute in California. He rebuked critics, stating “The Lord told me it’s flat none of your business”. Consequently, his audience and revenue collapsed, prompting him to restructure the ministry under his son Donnie. Despite these scandals, he continued preaching and later founded the SonLife Broadcasting Network.
Jimmy Swaggart Death | Cause of Death
Is Jimmy Swaggart still alive?
Jimmy Swaggart suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge home on June 15, 2025, and never regained consciousness. Then, on July 1, 2025, he died at age 90 in a local hospital surrounded by loved ones. His family shared, “He finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior”. Moreover, he had been battling declining health for years. Finally, his legacy remains in Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, SonLife Broadcasting Network, and his devoted family—wife Frances, son Donnie, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren.
Jimmy Swaggart Funeral Service: Family Worship Center Celebrates His Legacy
Jimmy Swaggart’s funeral service was held at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Family, close friends, and ministry leaders gathered to honor his life. Donnie Swaggart, his son, delivered a powerful eulogy reflecting on decades of impactful Christian ministry. The service featured gospel hymns, prayers, and tributes from fellow pastors. Moreover, attendees celebrated Swaggart’s global influence through SonLife Broadcasting Network. Commemorative materials highlighted his preaching, music, and devotion. His wife Frances Swaggart and extended family participated in the ceremony. Overall, the event marked a final farewell to one of America’s most recognized televangelists and faith leaders.
Jimmy Swaggart Songs: 200+ Gospel Albums, Iconic Hymns & Grammy Nod
Jimmy Swaggart released over 200 gospel albums and sold more than 20 million recordings. Moreover, he recorded beloved songs like “There Is a River,” “Sometimes Alleluia,” and “God Took Away My Yesterdays”. He also covered classic hymns such as “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Blessed Assurance”. Additionally, his 1970s albums included “Camp Meeting Piano” and “There Is a River,” showcasing piano-driven worship. Furthermore, he released live praise collections like “One More Time… Live” and “Living Waters.” Importantly, his music earned mainstream recognition, including a Grammy nomination in 1981 for Best Gospel Performance. Swaggart also collaborated with notable gospel artists at crusades worldwide. Consequently, his musical ministry left a lasting impact on Pentecostal worship culture. His recorded hymns and originals remain available on platforms like YouTube Music and Discogs. Above all, his blend of preaching and piano-led gospel songs defined his charismatic ministry.
Jimmy Swaggart Books: Expositor’s Study Bible, Autobiography & Devotionals
Jimmy Swaggart authored over 50 Christian books and detailed biblical guides. His most popular title is the comprehensive Expositor’s Study Bible. Additionally, he wrote the autobiography To Cross a River (1977). Moreover, he produced thematic works like The Message of the Cross, Armageddon, and Paul the Apostle. He also crafted daily devotionals such as The Expositor’s Word for Everyday. Furthermore, his commentaries covered Revelation, Romans, and Bible prophecy. Consequently, his written ministry helped cement his reputation as a respected gospel author. Today, his books remain available at online retailers and in ministry bookstores.
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries: SonLife TV & Radio, Bible College, Global Outreach
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries (JSM) began in 1984 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana . Through it, the Family Worship Center megachurch and Jimmy Swaggart Bible College serve global followers. Moreover, JSM operates the 24/7 SonLife Broadcasting Network, airing preaching, gospel music, Bible studies, and programs led by Jimmy, Donnie, and Gabriel Swaggart. Additionally, JSM runs SonLife Radio, anchored by WJFM, broadcasting across multiple U.S. states. Consequently, the ministry upholds its mission to spread “the Message of the Cross” worldwide.
Jimmy Swaggart Net Worth 2025
Jimmy Swaggart had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2025. His wealth came from decades of televangelism, gospel music sales, book publishing, and nationwide ministry donations. He also led the SonLife Broadcasting Network, which generated additional revenue. Although the ministry owned major assets, his personal earnings remained separate. His financial legacy reflected a long-standing commitment to Christian media, global evangelism, and building one of America’s most recognized religious ministries.
