(RNS) — Jimmy Swaggart, a televangelist and gospel singer whose fall from grace in the late 1980s made national headlines, died Tuesday (July 1).
He was 90.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day,” according to an announcement from his ministry posted on social media.
Swaggart was hospitalized June 15 after going into cardiac arrest and being treated by paramedics, the televangelist’s son, Donnie, told congregants at the Family Worship Center Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during a weekend prayer meeting after his father was taken to the Baton Rouge General Medical Center. Though paramedics were able to restore the elder Swaggart’s heartbeat, he did not regain consciousness, according to his son, leaving him in critical condition.
“Without a miracle, his time will be short,” Donnie Swaggart told congregants in mid-June.
Swaggart remained hospitalized for days, never regaining consciousness. On Sunday (June 29), Donnie Swaggart told worshippers at the church that the family had gathered around his father and it was just a matter of time.
“We want his last days to be comfortable,” he said. “We want him to be surrounded by his family.”
In announcing Swaggart’s death, the family thanked the staff, doctors and nurses who cared for him.
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