Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, the longest-serving American TV evangelist and founder of Jimmy Swagg, has been hospitalized in critical condition following a cardiac arrest. His family has shared that his health is deteriorating, and they believe that only a ‘miracle’ can save him. Swaggart’s son, Rev. Donnie Swaggart, has emphasized the need for prayers, stating, ‘On this Father’s Day, we urgently ask you to pray for Brother Swaggart… we must have the Lord intervene in this situation.’
Swaggart, born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, became a full-time minister in 1955 and has since been a prominent figure in American evangelicalism. His services were broadcast to over 2 million households at his peak in the mid-1980s, making him one of the most influential televangelists in history. However, his career has been shadowed by controversy. In 1987, he was linked to a scandal involving a prostitute he met in a New Orleans motel, which led to a televised apology in which he admitted to ‘unspecified sin.’
Further allegations emerged later, including claims of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1980s. These accusations led to his resignation as a pastor in a Texas megachurch and a $1 million lawsuit alleging a cover-up scheme. Despite the controversies, Swaggart has remained a public figure, even making headlines for his controversial remarks about LGBTQ+ individuals, where he jokingly claimed he would ‘kill any gay man who looked at him romantically.’ These comments have sparked debates about the intersection of faith and public discourse.
As Swaggart’s health remains critical, his son continues to seek support from his followers, emphasizing the importance of prayer. The family has not yet responded to media inquiries, and the situation has drawn attention from various religious and media outlets, highlighting the ongoing impact of Swaggart’s legacy both as a spiritual leader and a figure of controversy.