Jimmy Swaggart, the famed televangelist and longtime host of The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast, went into cardiac arrest in June 2025, his family, his health rapidly declined shortly before his death. The Louisiana native was said to be in critical condition roughly two weeks before his death was announced.
Below, learn all about Swaggart, his family, and his overall health.
Who Is Jimmy Swaggart?
Swaggart was a Pentecostal televangelist as well as a gospel artist. He rose to recognition in the 1980s upon creating the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, the owner and main operator of the SonLife Broadcasting Network. Through his ministry, Swaggart wrote and released around 50 Christian books.
When it comes to his gospel career, Swaggart received one Grammy nomination.
Draw as close to God as you can because it’s the single most important thing in the world, and I continue to speak of that for which all of us have been called.
Taken from “From Me To You” by Jimmy Swaggart // June 2021 The Evangelist pic.twitter.com/eiGNginXXO
— Jimmy Swaggart (@JimmyLSwaggart) June 30, 2021
Jimmy Swaggart’s Age
Swaggart was 90 years old.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Health Now
At the age of 90, Swaggart’s health was in decline. According to his son, Donnie Swaggart, the elder preacher went into cardiac arrest in June 2025, and he “never regained consciousness.”
“This morning at a little after 8 [a.m.], Gabe and I rushed into Mother’s house,” Swaggart’s son told his congregation at the Family Worship Center. “Dad had gone into cardiac arrest. He never regained consciousness. We both took turns giving him chest compressions until EMT could get there and they were, I’ve never seen so many people arrive at one time and I want to thank them.”
Apparently, Swaggart’s condition got so bad that his son said “his time will be short,” implying that he will die soon.
“But they were able to get a heartbeat back,” Donnie pointed out. “Right now he is in ICU and without a miracle, without a miracle, his time will be short. … But we believe God. We’re not giving up. We’ve already told the doctors we don’t want to hear anything from them. We will make decisions in our own time. But we’re going to give the Lord an opportunity to work.”
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries followed up in a statement, which pointed out that Jimmy “remains in the ICU, where he is under close medical care,” according to The Advocate.
On June 18, an official update on Swaggart was announced via Facebook. The statement read, “At this time, there has been no change in Brother Swaggart’s condition. We continue to trust the Lord and give Him time to work, knowing that His ways are perfect.”
During a June 22 service, Donnie delivered an emotional prayer, saying, “I love you in spite of my father being in the hospital. I love you in spite of the tears that I’ve shed. I love you in spite of the pressure I feel on my shoulder.”
He added, “We are believing God but also placed it into His hands. No questions. No complaints. As for God, His way is perfect.”
Four days later, The Christian Post reported that Donnie said Jimmy was at “the end.”
Jimmy died on July 1, 2025, according to an announcement shared to his official Facebook page that day.
“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,” the statement read. “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. For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power 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. He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith.”
Jimmy Swaggart’s Wife
Swaggart was married to his wife, Frances Swaggart, from 1952 until the end of his life in 2025.
Jimmy Swaggart’s Children
The evangelist and his wife shared their only child, son Donnie, together.