Donnie Swaggart Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Children, Net Worth & Latest News (2026)
A fiery Pentecostal evangelist, singer and co-pastor of the 20,000-member Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Donnie Swaggart has spent his entire life on a revival stage. The only son of the late televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, he now carries the family mantle, preaching to packed crusades and millions of television households—while generating fresh headlines over hard-line sermons and a new ministry chapter after his father’s passing.
Quick-Facts Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donnie Swaggart |
| Profession | Pentecostal Evangelist • Co-Pastor • Gospel Singer • TV Host |
| Born | October 18, 1954 |
| Age (2026) | 71 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height | ≈ 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | ≈ 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Hair | Silver-grey |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Education | Bible-college studies (unverified) |
| Religion | Pentecostal |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Debbie Swaggart (m. 1974) |
| Children | 3 (Gabriel, Mathew, Jennifer) |
| Parents | Jimmy Swaggart († 2025) & Frances Swaggart |
| Net Worth 2026 | ≈ US $1–2 million (unaudited church income & royalties) |
| Famous For | Camp Meeting TV broadcasts • Jimmy Swaggart Ministries heir |
| Years Active | 1972 – present |
Early Life & Education
Born and reared on the evangelistic circuit, Donnie traveled nationwide with his parents’ tent revivals before Jimmy Swaggart Ministries (JSM) purchased its Baton Rouge campus in the 1970s. He sang in the family trio and learned piano under his father, developing the raspy preaching voice now recognized across Pentecostal television.
Career Journey
1970s–1990s – Music & Associate Evangelism
- Sang baritone in the Jimmy Swaggart Trio; album credits include He Grew the Tree and The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.
- Began pulpit preaching during youth services and overseas crusades.
1990s–2020 – Camp Meeting & International Crusades
- Co-hosted daily Camp Meeting telecast (aired on SonLife Broadcasting Network – SBN).
- Preached in 40+ nations; crowds in Africa and South America topped 100,000.
2021–2026 – Leadership Transition
- After Jimmy’s health declined, Donnie assumed more on-air teaching and administrative oversight.
- July 1, 2025 – Jimmy Swaggart died aged 90; Donnie delivered the eulogy and was named Co-Pastor of Family Worship Center alongside long-time elder staff.
Recent Controversies
- October 2024 – Sermon clips showed Donnie rebuking Black church leaders for supporting Vice-President kamala harris, calling it “a slap in the face of biblical values.” Civil-rights pastors and AME Church bishops demanded an apology; Swaggart defended his remarks as a stance against “liberal platforms” endorsing abortion and same-sex marriage.
- Finance Scrutiny – Although JSM is tax-exempt, local outlets questioned luxury vehicles registered to the ministry; no charges filed.
Family & Personal Life
- Wife: Debbie (née Robertson) since June 28, 1974; the couple briefly separated in the late 1990s but reconciled and remain married.
- Children:
- Gabriel Swaggart – associate pastor and SBN youth-camp director.
- Mathew Swaggart – media-technology manager at JSM.
- Jennifer Swaggart – Christian educator and conference speaker.
- Residence: A modest parsonage on the 250-acre JSM campus, Baton Rouge.
Physical Statistics
- Height: ≈ 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: ≈ 185 lb (84 kg)
- Shoe Size: 11 US
- Hair Color: Silver-grey (formerly dark brown)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Voice: Raspy baritone, Southern drawl
Favorites
- Scripture Theme: Isaiah 53
- Hymn: “There Is a Fountain”
- Preaching Style: Expository, fiery altar-call delivery
- Hobbies: Classic gospel vinyl, LSU football, antique pulpits restoration
Salary & Net Worth 2026
JSM pays Donnie a modest stipend (est. $70–90 k) plus housing; royalty income from sermon DVDs and music totals roughly $150 k yearly. Net worth ≈ $1–2 million – modest compared to televangelists with private jets.
Interesting Facts
- Has preached live on every continent except Antarctica.
- Owns a 1954 Hammond B-3 organ once played by his father.
- Keeps a handwritten prayer list exceeding 3,000 names updated weekly by staff.
- Holds an unofficial record for longest continuous sermon (5 hr 42 min) at a 1999 Philippines crusade.
Social Media Links
- Facebook Official: Donnie Swaggart – 340 k followers
- Instagram (JSM): @jsm_ministries
- YouTube/SBN: SonLife Broadcasting
- Website: jsm.org
FAQs
Q1: How old is Donnie Swaggart in 2026?
A: 71 years 3 months old years old.
Q2: Who is Donnie Swaggart’s wife?
A: Debbie Swaggart; they married in 1974 and are still together.
Q3: Did Donnie Swaggart inherit the ministry?
A: He became Co-Pastor of Family Worship Center after his father Jimmy Swaggart died July 1, 2025.
Q4: What controversies surround Donnie Swaggart?
A: Most recently, October 2024 remarks criticizing Black church support for Kamala Harris sparked accusations of racial insensitivity.
Q5: What is Donnie Swaggart’s net worth?
A: Estimated $1–2 million based on ministry salary and media royalties.
Conclusion
Stepping from his father’s shadow yet echoing the Swaggart trademark passion, Donnie Swaggart now steers one of America’s largest Pentecostal platforms. Whether preaching redemption or navigating political firestorms, he remains a pivotal—and polarizing—voice on Christian television. Share this profile for friends curious about today’s televangelist landscape and keep an eye on SBN for the next chapter of the Swaggart story.
