Why is Jimmy Swaggart in a critical condition? Gospel artist's son Donnie gives health updates during special prayer service

Jimmy Swaggart - Source: Getty
Jimmy Swaggart - Source: Getty

American televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who has been a fixture on Christian television for almost four decades, had a heart attack in his Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home. Swaggart, who is 90 years old, was taken to a neighboring hospital after being found unconscious on June 15, 2025.

He is currently in the intensive care unit. During a special prayer session at the Family Worship Center, his son, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, delivered this dismal health report. Donnie emphasized that the family is in desperate need of a miracle, since his father is quite ill.


More details about Jimmy Swaggart's critical health condition

House staff found Swaggart unconscious at his home on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and called the paramedics. First responders were able to get Swaggart's heart rate back up and running before taking him to the hospital, but he "has never regained consciousness" since then. Because of his elderly age and the rapid nature of the crisis, physicians sent him straight to the ICU, where he is still being closely watched and given life support.

At the Family Worship Center that night, there was a special service to pray for Swaggart's health. Donnie Swaggart calmly addressed the congregation about his father's health:

“Right now he is in ICU and, without a miracle, his time will be short,” Donnie Swaggart shared, adding, “We’re going to give the Lord an opportunity to work.”

He also posted on social media, pleading with his fans all around the globe to pray:

“On this Father’s Day, we urgently ask you to pray for Brother Swaggart. He needs a miracle from heaven right now.”

Jimmy Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935. He is well-known for both his long-running TV program, The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast, and his work as a host for the SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN). He is one of the most famous people in modern evangelicalism. For the last sixty years, he has been traversing the globe preaching and singing gospel music.

He is an apostle at a number of places, including the Jimmy Swaggart Bible College and the Baton Rouge Family Worship Center. Donnie, who is both Swaggart's son and the group's executive vice president, has been a big help in the day-to-day work of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Sources within the hospital say that Swaggart is still in the critical care unit, where doctors and nurses keep an eye on his vital signs all the time. Long periods of being unconscious and difficulties with several organs are two of the most dangerous things that may happen when a nonagenarian has a heart attack.

Though his treatment plans are not disclosed publicly, standard protocols in an intensive care unit include taking steps to prevent more infections, keeping an eye on his heart, and giving him breathing assistance.

Prayers and well wishes are still coming in for Jimmy Swaggart, whose unexpected illness has devastated his family and millions of followers.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew