Jimmy Swaggart, the influential televangelist known for his fiery sermons and gospel music, died on July 1 at the age of 90 following cardiac arrest. His passing was announced on his official Facebook page, which described him as having “finished his earthly race” and now in the presence of his Savior. Once a household name, Swaggart’s legacy is a blend of spiritual influence and personal controversy.

Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart grew up surrounded by both religion and music. He was a cousin to music legends Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. Though he attempted a music career, he soon dedicated his life to preaching, becoming a full-time evangelist in the late 1950s and ordained by the Assemblies of God in 1961.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Swaggart gained national prominence through gospel albums and a powerful television presence. His ministry reached millions across America, and at its peak, it was valued at over $140 million. He became one of the most recognized televangelists in the country.

However, his career took a dramatic fall in 1988 when he was caught in a sex scandal involving prostitute Debra Murphree. The exposure was orchestrated by police officer Randy Gorman, whose father, Marvin Gorman, was once defrocked due to allegations made by Swaggart himself. This event was seen by many as a calculated act of revenge.

Murphree later gave explicit details in interviews, claiming she met Swaggart approximately 20 times and was paid small sums for each encounter. She described lewd acts he requested while driving around in his Lincoln Town Car. These revelations shocked the public and tainted his reputation permanently.

Swaggart reportedly tried to contain the fallout by offering Marvin Gorman various deals, including a return to TV ministry. Gorman refused and eventually exposed Swaggart, leading to one of the most infamous scandals in televangelist history.

In a tearful sermon, Swaggart confessed vaguely, saying, “I have sinned against you,” without addressing the full nature of the scandal. When he refused a two-year rehab and preaching suspension, the Assemblies of God defrocked him later that year.

Though his public influence never fully recovered, Swaggart continued his ministry with a smaller but loyal audience. In 2009, he launched the SonLife Broadcasting Network, remaining active in preaching until his death.