Donnie Swaggart, a prominent American evangelist and author, has dedicated over 25 years to spreading the Pentecostal gospel worldwide through Donnie Swaggart Ministries and as co-pastor of Family Worship Center Church. Born on October 18, 1954, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he carries the legacy of his famous father, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, while forging his own path in ministry and media.
Profile Summary
Full name: Donnie Swaggart. Date of birth: October 18, 1954. Age: 71 years old as of June 2026. Place of birth: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. Current residence: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. Nationality: American. Ethnicity: White. Religion: Christianity. Height: 5'7" (170 cm). Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg). Hair color: Dark brown. Eye color: Brown. Mother: Frances. Father: Jimmy. Marital status: Married to Debbie. Children: 3.
Early Life and Family
Donnie Swaggart is the only child of Frances and Jimmy Swaggart. His mother, Frances, is a television personality known for hosting the show "Frances and Friends." His father, Jimmy, was a renowned televangelist, gospel artist, and author. Jimmy Swaggart passed away at age 90 on July 1, 2025, due to cardiac arrest. Donnie paid tribute, saying, "Our hearts are broken, but we know he is in heaven with the Lord."
Father's Scandals
Jimmy Swaggart's legacy is defined by two major sexual scandals that dismantled his multi-million dollar television empire and shifted public perception of televangelists. In 1988, a rival televangelist hired private investigators who caught Swaggart with Debra Murphree at a motel. Swaggart made an emotional televised apology, but the Assemblies of God stripped him of his ministerial credentials. In 1991, he was pulled over with a prostitute, Rosemary Garcia, and showed little remorse, telling his congregation, "The Lord told me it's flat none of your business."
Current Ministry and Work
Donnie Swaggart leads Donnie Swaggart Ministries and co-pastors Family Worship Center Church in Baton Rouge. He has traveled to Canada, the UK, Ukraine, Australia, India, and multiple African countries. He is also an author, with books titled "Light of Liberty" and "Church, Read the Book of Acts and Get Ready!" He co-hosts on SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN), founded by his father in 1995.
Personal Life
Donnie has been married three times. He first married Debbie, divorced in 2003, then married Judy briefly, and remarried Debbie in 2006. He has three children: Gabriel, Matthew, and Jennifer. Gabriel heads Crossfire Youth Ministry, Matthew is a photographer and graphics artist, and Jennifer is a teacher with a master's degree in education. Donnie has about eight grandchildren.
Health and Height
Donnie Swaggart is in good health with no verified serious illnesses. He stands 5'7" (170 cm) and weighs approximately 165 pounds (75 kg).
Fast Facts
- Age: 71 years old as of 2026.
- Cancer rumors: Unconfirmed.
- Father's death: Jimmy Swaggart died on July 1, 2025.
- Marriages: Three times, remarried Debbie in 2006.
- Children: Three, with about eight grandchildren.
- Occupation: Pentecostal preacher, media personality, author.
