Jimmy Swaggart, the fiery Pentecostal preacher who once commanded millions of television viewers and led a global gospel empire, has died at the age of 90. His death was announced on July 1, 2025, through a statement on his official Facebook page. While the cause was not immediately disclosed, Swaggart had reportedly been in poor health for some time.
He rose from humble beginnings in Ferriday, Louisiana, to become one of America’s most recognizable televangelists. His sermons were broadcast in dozens of countries, his gospel albums sold in the millions, and his ministry once raked in over $140 million a year. Even after scandal rocked his career in the late 1980s, Swaggart remained a fixture in his Baton Rouge church, continuing to preach well into his later years.
Away from the spotlight, Swaggart shared his life with his wife of over 70 years, Frances Swaggart. Their bond began in a small Louisiana church and endured through both spiritual highs and public storms. Together, they raised their only son, Donnie, who has since carried on the family’s ministry.
In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at Swaggart’s long-standing marriage, his relationship with his wife and child, and the family legacy that continues beyond his passing.
Jimmy Swaggart Was Married To Frances Swaggart for Over 70 Years
Jimmy married Frances Anderson in 1952 when he was 17 and she was just 15. Their relationship began in a small church in Wisner, Louisiana, where they first met while Jimmy was playing music alongside his father. What started as a young union rooted in faith evolved into a lifelong partnership that spanned more than seven decades.
Frances remained by Jimmy’s side through every chapter of his life—through their early years of hardship, the rise of his global ministry, and even the very public controversies that tested their resilience.
Far more than a preacher’s wife, Frances played a major role in the ministry’s operations, including hosting the SonLife Radio show Frances and Friends. Their bond, built on shared faith and purpose, became the foundation of a legacy that now stretches across multiple generations of the Swaggart family.
Their Only Son Donnie Followed in His Father’s Footsteps
Jimmy and Frances Swaggart had one child together — their son, Donnie Swaggart, born in 1954. Raised in the heart of his father’s growing ministry, Donnie grew up surrounded by gospel music, fiery sermons, and a deep-rooted commitment to faith.
As an adult, he embraced that same calling and became a preacher himself, often appearing alongside his father at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge.
Over the years, Donnie took on more leadership within the ministry, preaching both in the U.S. and abroad. He’s known for his passionate delivery and strong biblical teachings, traits clearly influenced by his father.
While Jimmy remained the face of the ministry for decades, Donnie gradually became a central figure in keeping the Swaggart name alive in Pentecostal circles. He continues to serve the ministry, working closely with his own son, Gabriel, to extend the family’s spiritual legacy.
His Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren Are Now Carrying the Legacy
Swaggart’s influence didn’t stop with his son. His grandchildren—Gabriel, Matthew, and Jennifer—have also played active roles in the ministry, continuing the family’s spiritual legacy into the next generation.
Gabriel Swaggart, Donnie’s son, leads the Crossfire Youth Ministries alongside his wife, Jill. Together, they’ve become a central part of the church’s youth outreach and are raising three daughters: Samantha, Abby, and Caroline Frances.
Matthew Swaggart, another grandson, is also involved in the ministry. He and his wife Joanna have three children: two sons, Ryder-Presley and Navy Matthew Aaron, and a daughter, Lola. Meanwhile, Jimmy’s granddaughter Jennifer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Cliff, and they have two children of their own—Harper and Harrison.
Faith and family were cornerstones of Jimmy Swaggart’s life, and his descendants are actively keeping both at the center of the ministry he built.
