Swaggart, a towering figure in American evangelical broadcasting for over six decades, was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning after suffering a heart attack at his home.
His son, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, later that day told his congregation and the viewers of the SonLife Broadcasting Network that he and his own son, Gabe, rushed to his parents' home that morning, where his father had gone into cardiac arrest.
"He never regained consciousness. We both took turns giving him chest compressions until EMT could get there… they were able to get a heartbeat back. Right now he is in ICU, and without a miracle, without a miracle, his time will be short,” Donnie said.
The Swaggart family chose to share the gravity of the situation with their global audience.
“We've always been very private. We keep our troubles to ourselves. We don't bring other people into it. We’ve always braved the storms as a family internally, but this is beyond that, and I will be very open and transparent in the days to come, so that everybody will know exactly what is going on,” Donnie said.
He said they will continue to put their faith and resolve first, and not give up hope.
"We've already told the doctors we don't want to hear anything from them. We will make decisions in our own time, but we're going to give the Lord an opportunity to work,” he said.
Swaggart’s wife, Frances, and other family members have been by his side.
The Swaggart family has requested continued prayers from their supporters worldwide. “As he has prayed for you, pray for him,” Donnie urged.
Despite the crisis, Donnie said the ministry’s work continues. “This network was birthed by God, and it’s my dad’s vision, and we will carry that vision forward," he said. "We will not retreat, we will not quit, we will not give up. And whether he’s healed here or there, God is still God. He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever”.
Donnie assured supporters that updates on his father's condition will be provided through social media and other ministry platforms.
His ministry has spanned radio, print, and television, reaching audiences in multiple languages and countries. His humanitarian efforts have included building schools and churches in impoverished regions.
The ministry complex in Baton Rouge remains a hub for global outreach, encompassing the Family Worship Center and the SonLife Broadcasting Network.