Thousands Say Farewell To Jimmy Swaggart
For the final time, Jimmy Swaggart captivated a massive audience. On Sunday night, family and friends came together to celebrate his life and remember him as the icon he was.
Thousands showed up to remember the televangelist, author, and musician.
Swaggart, known for his powerful preaching and gospel music, was remembered not only for the vast reach of his message but also for his personal devotion to faith.
“The family, they’re doing good. Sunday was tough,” Meagan Kelly said. “What was really hard was at the very end—when they rolled his casket out for the last time. That was emotional because he’s just left such a legacy. It’s just been such an amazing time to sit underneath his leadership.”
From television screens in the 1980s to pulpits around the world, Swaggart’s message reached millions. But those who knew him say he never wanted the spotlight for himself.
“I think he would want people to remember Jesus. That’s what he was about,” Kelly said. “Yes, he was a larger-than-life figure. Yes, people loved him and wanted to follow him—but it was more of a ‘follow me as I follow Christ’ thing. I know without a shadow of a doubt, he would want people to remember the way he loved the Lord.”
Swaggart was known as a pioneer when it came to bringing the church into people’s homes through television. He founded the Family Worship Center and the Son-Life Broadcasting Network, both of which his family still runs. He famously responded to a 1988 scandal involving a prostitute by tearfully admitting to sin and adultery during a televised church service. Swaggart was eventually defrocked by the Assemblies of God church.
