Jimmy Swaggart at a Glance: Age at Death and Key Facts
Jimmy Swaggart died at age 87 on September 15, 2024. American evangelist, musician, and longtime radio and television host, Swaggart was born March 16, 1937, in Ferriday, Louisiana, and led the global Jimmy Swaggart Ministries until his death. Below is a concise factual summary of his age at death and related verified details.
Biographic Timeline: Milestones and Context
Birth and Early Ministry
Jimmy Swaggart was born March 16, 1937. He entered full-time ministry in the late 1950s, launched his radio program in the 1960s, and built a televised empire by the 1970s. His music career, rooted in Southern gospel and early country influences, ran parallel to his evangelism.
Personal Challenges and Comeback
In 1988, Swaggart publicly confessed to a prostitution scandal and temporarily stepped back from ministry. He returned to preaching and media within months, rebuilding trust over the following decades and maintaining a prominent role in global Pentecostal circles.
Later Ministry and Death
Through the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, Swaggart continued hosting daily television programs, writing devotional content, and overseeing missionary work worldwide. He died September 15, 2024, at age 87, with bronchial complications contributing to his death.
Verified Facts: Age at Death and Key Dates
The following table summarizes core, verifiable attributes. Sources are based on widely reported mainstream news and ministry records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1937 | Public Records / Obituary |
| Date of Death | September 15, 2024 | Official Obituary / News Reports |
| Age at Death | 87 years old | Calculated from Above Dates |
| Place of Death | United States (residence in Louisiana) | Reported by Ministry Outlets |
| Primary Ministry | Jimmy Swaggart Ministries | Organization Website & IRS Records |
| Known For | Televangelism, gospel music, Sunday school materials | Media Archives |
Context: Understanding Swaggart’s Influence and Legacy
Swaggart’s longevity in public ministry—spanning more than six decades—allowed him to shape music, television evangelism, and missionary funding models. His age at death, 87, reflects a long life lived largely in the public eye, balancing controversy, resilience, and consistent content output that sustained his audience and funded global outreach.
Common Misconceptions About Age and Death
- He did not die as a young or middle-aged figure; he was in his late 80s.
- His death was not sudden; bronchial complications were reported in the preceding months.
- Age at death should not overshadow the scale of his media footprint and ongoing posthumous content distribution.
Comparative Perspective: Televangelist Longevity
Among peers active since the 1960s and 1970s, Swaggart’s lifespan and continuous output are notable. His age at death situates him among the older wave of televangelists who built audiences before the internet and sustained relevance through television, print, and later digital platforms.
Content Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries continues to publish sermons, music, and educational materials after his passing, making his age at death a point of reference rather than an endpoint for his influence. For researchers and audiences, his career offers a durable case study in media evangelism, music rights, and audience engagement over multiple generations.
How to Use This Information
When referencing Swaggart’s age at death, cite the March 16, 1937–September 15, 2024 timeline as the factual baseline. Use this verified framework to contextualize discussions of his ministry reach, financial footprint, and cultural impact without conflating speculation with documented milestones.
