Jimmy Swaggart, the controversial 90-year-old televangelist known for his passionate preaching style and past scandals, has been hospitalized in critical condition following a heart attack. His family is preparing for the possibility that he may not recover.

According to the New York Post, Swaggart's son Donnie delivered the sobering news during a Sunday service, telling the congregation: "Without a miracle, his time is short." The elder Swaggart remains in intensive care as family members and followers pray for his recovery.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene when Swaggart went into cardiac arrest. Family publicist Megan Kelly praised their efforts, noting how ambulance crews took turns performing CPR in what she described as an emotional and stressful situation.

Family Requests Prayers During Critical Time

Jimmy Swaggart Ministries released a statement Monday asking supporters to continue praying for the televangelist. The organization promised to post updates on their Facebook page as Swaggart's condition evolves.

"We ask that you continue to lift him up in prayer and believe God for a miracle — but above all, we trust in the Lord's perfect will," the ministry stated. Since the initial announcement of his condition, no further updates have been provided.

Donnie Swaggart, who preaches from the same pulpit as his father, has stepped forward to keep the ministry informed during this difficult time. The younger Swaggart has become increasingly visible in the family's religious empire in recent years as his father aged.

Controversial Past Shadowed His Ministry

Swaggart's career as one of America's most prominent televangelists has been marked by dramatic highs and lows. His ministry reached its peak in the 1980s before personal scandals threatened to derail his religious career.

In 1988, Swaggart faced public disgrace when rival televangelist Marvin Gorman exposed photos of him with a prostitute at a Baton Rouge, Louisiana motel. The scandal led to Swaggart being defrocked by the Assemblies of God, the Pentecostal denomination that had ordained him.

Following the incident, Swaggart delivered a tearful televised confession in February 1988, famously declaring "I have sinned" to his congregation and viewing audience. The emotional apology became one of the most memorable moments in televangelist history.

Resilience Through Multiple Controversies

Despite the damage to his reputation, Swaggart managed to rebuild much of his following after the initial scandal. His television audience reportedly grew to approximately 800,000 viewers in the years following his public confession.

However, Swaggart faced another setback in 1991 when he was pulled over during a traffic stop and found in the company of another prostitute. This second incident resulted in the cancellation of several of his broadcasting contracts and further damaged his standing.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Swaggart continued preaching independently after these controversies. In 2010, he launched the SonLife Broadcasting Network, an international Christian television network that broadcasts both live and prerecorded religious programming.

Legacy Hangs In The Balance

The 90-year-old preacher now faces what may be his final earthly challenge as family members maintain their vigil. Despite his controversial past, Swaggart's influence on televangelist culture remains significant.

Throughout his career, Swaggart weathered multiple scandals that would have ended the ministries of others. His ability to maintain a devoted following despite public disgrace demonstrated both his charismatic appeal and the loyalty of his supporters.

As the Swaggart family braces for what could be the patriarch's final days, the legacy of this influential yet controversial figure in American religious broadcasting hangs in the balance. Without medical intervention or the "miracle" his son has publicly prayed for, Jimmy Swaggart's decades-long ministry may be coming to an end.