Infamous televangelist Jimmy Swaggart was hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest over the weekend at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 90-year-old collapsed on Sunday morning, June 15—coinciding with Father’s Day—prompting an emergency response from friends nearby and paramedics.
Swaggart’s son, Donnie Swaggart, addressed his congregation later that day, describing the situation as grave. “Without a miracle, his time is short,” he said during his sermon.
Swaggart’s spokesperson, Megan Kelly, confirmed the incident and noted that although the pastor had no known prior health issues, he had recently experienced unexplained falls. Just a day before the cardiac arrest, he had another fall and required assistance from his son to stand. Despite this, Swaggart was determined to preach on Sunday, reflecting his lifelong dedication to ministry.
Family members revealed that Swaggart’s wife was with him when he went into cardiac arrest. Two close friends nearby performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. His family has since gathered at his side, describing the situation as critical while hoping for a miracle. As of Tuesday morning, no official update on his condition has been released, according to a post on Swaggart’s official Facebook page.
Swaggart gained national fame as a televangelist during the 1980s but saw his reputation tarnished by a series of scandals. In 1988, he was publicly humiliated after being caught with a prostitute in New Orleans, leading to a tearful confession in which he admitted, “I have sinned.” The Assemblies of God subsequently defrocked him, though he continued his ministry independently. A similar scandal followed in California in 1991.
Despite these controversies, Swaggart remained active in ministry, founding Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in 1955 and building a media empire that included radio, television, and over 50 published books.
