Life, Legacy & Lessons from an American Icon
On July 1, 2025, iconic televangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggart passed away at 90, just two weeks after he suffered cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge home on June 15 (The Sun, People).
A Life Built on Faith and Reach
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Jimmy Swaggart rose to become a towering figure in American evangelism. He started preaching in the 1950s and launched his popular radio show, Camp Meeting Hour, in 1969. By the early 1970s, he expanded his reach through television.
During the 1980s, Swaggart’s sermons reached over 100 countries. He founded the SonLife Broadcasting Network in 2010 and continued preaching on air until his final days (People).
Swaggart recorded more than 15 million gospel albums, earned a Grammy nomination, and led the Family Worship Center and Jimmy Swaggart Bible College in Baton Rouge.
Trials and Redemption
Swaggart faced major scandals in 1988 and again in 1991, both involving publicized sexual misconduct. As a result, the Assemblies of God removed him from their fellowship.
Instead of stepping back, he rebuilt his ministry independently and kept preaching to millions. His followers supported him through gospel concerts, television sermons, and Sunday services (Houston Chronicle).
Final Days & Memorial Service
On June 15, Swaggart collapsed and doctors placed him in intensive care. His son, Donnie Swaggart, shared that “without a miracle, his time was short.”
Surrounded by family, Swaggart passed away peacefully on July 1. The Family Worship Center hosted the memorial, where family members, church leaders, and gospel musicians paid tribute to his legacy (Christian Tribune).
Watch archived services on the SonLife YouTube Channel.
What Was Jimmy Swaggart’s Net Worth?
Estimates suggest that Jimmy Swaggart’s net worth ranged between $5 million and $10 million at the time of his death.
- Celebrity Net Worth listed it at $5 million.
- FameWorthies estimated $10 million.
- Some older reports speculated figures as high as $15 million.
Family Legacy: Jerry Lee Lewis & Mickey Gilley
Many fans don’t realize that Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Mickey Gilley were first cousins. All three grew up in Ferriday, Louisiana, learning gospel piano together.
- Lewis went on to rock ‘n’ roll fame with Great Balls of Fire.
- Gilley became a beloved country artist.
- Swaggart stayed within gospel, preaching to global audiences.
A Final Thought
Jimmy Swaggart inspired millions through his decades-long journey in ministry. Despite public scandals, he returned to the pulpit and continued to lead with passion and music.
Whether you remember him for his gospel voice, TV sermons, or redemption story, Jimmy Swaggart shaped modern televangelism with unmistakable impact.
