So, you’re scrolling through your feed and you see a name from the past—or maybe a face you still see every day on Christian television—and the question pops up: is Marilyn Hickey still alive? It’s a fair thing to ask. Honestly, she’s been a staple in the world of televangelism since your parents (or maybe even your grandparents) were young. In an era where "legacy" ministries often fade out or get handed off entirely, Marilyn is a bit of an anomaly.
Let's get the big answer out of the way first. Yes, Marilyn Hickey is still alive. As of January 2026, she is 94 years old. She isn't just "around," either. She's actually still remarkably active. If you check out her ministry’s current broadcasts or her social media, you’ll see her teaching with the same kind of raspy, energetic conviction she’s had for decades. It's kinda wild when you think about it. Most people at 94 are, understandably, taking it very easy. Marilyn? She’s still filming episodes of Today with Marilyn & Sarah alongside her daughter, Sarah Bowling, and even her granddaughter, Isabell.
Why Do People Keep Asking If She's Passed?
It happens every few months. A "death hoax" starts circulating on Facebook or a vague headline pops up, and suddenly everyone is Googling her status. Part of this comes from a simple case of mistaken identity. There have been several other women named Marilyn Hickey who have passed away in recent years—including a well-loved nurse from Massachusetts in late 2025. When those obituaries hit the local news, the internet’s algorithms sometimes get confused, and fans of the "Bible Lady" start to worry.
Another reason for the confusion is her age. Let's be real. Ninety-four is a milestone. People assume that because she isn't doing massive, 100-city stadium tours every single year like she did in the 70s and 80s, she must have retired or passed on.
But if you’ve actually watched her lately, you know she’s still got that "perky" energy. She recently did a "Slay Your Giants" ministry day in early January 2026. She’s still talking about healing, still teaching from the Psalms, and still looking for ways to "cover the earth with the Word." She’s basically outlived almost all of her contemporaries from the early days of charismatic television.
The Secret to Her Longevity (It’s Not Just "Good Genes")
People always want to know how she does it. Is it a specific diet? Is it just "divine health"?
Marilyn has never been one to shy away from talking about practical health. In her recent broadcasts, she often brings on guests to talk about everything from keto diets to hormone balance and spinal health. She’s always had this "total person" approach—spirit, soul, and body. You’ll often hear her talk about "winning the battle of the bulge" or staying active.
But more than the physical stuff, it’s the mental engagement.
She’s a student.
Always has been.
She famously memorizes vast portions of Scripture and spends hours studying history and theology. That kind of cognitive load keeps the brain sharp. If you listen to her speak today, she isn't just repeating old stories; she's still connecting biblical texts to current global events. She hasn't switched off.
A Quick Timeline of Her Impact:
- The 1970s: Started her television ministry when female leads in that space were incredibly rare.
- The 1980s & 90s: Became known for "bridge-building" in nations where many Westerners wouldn't go, including Pakistan and Sudan.
- The 2010s: Transitioned the show to include her daughter, Sarah, ensuring the ministry wouldn't just stop when she eventually decided to slow down.
- 2024-2026: Began incorporating her granddaughter, Isabell Bowling, into the leadership and international missions, making it a three-generation powerhouse.
What Her Ministry Looks Like in 2026
If you’re expecting a quiet, retired grandmother, you’re looking at the wrong person. Marilyn Hickey Ministries is still a massive global operation. They’ve reached into over 140 countries. While Sarah and Isabell handle more of the grueling travel schedules these days—Isabell is actually planning a major tour through Italy, Greece, and Turkey later this year—Marilyn remains the spiritual "matriarch."
She still does "Bible Encounters."
She still writes books.
Her recent memoir, It’s Not Over Until You Win, basically sums up her entire philosophy.
One thing that makes her different from a lot of other famous ministers is her focus on "the bridge." She’s spent decades meeting with Muslim and Hindu government officials, often in private, just to pray for them. She’s never been the "fire and brimstone" type; she’s always been about the "Word" and "Healing." That’s probably why she hasn't been "canceled" or caught up in the same level of controversy as some of her peers. She stays in her lane.
Dealing With the Aging Process
We should be honest, though. Time does move forward.
Marilyn has definitely slowed down her physical travel compared to twenty years ago. You’ll see her more often in the studio or on Zoom-style interviews than trekking through remote villages. And that’s okay. She’s 94!
The ministry has very intentionally built a structure that doesn't rely solely on her physical presence to function. By bringing Sarah Bowling to the forefront years ago, they avoided the "founder's trap" where a ministry collapses the moment the leader steps back.
Actionable Insights: What We Can Learn From Marilyn
Whether you’re a follower of her ministry or just curious about her life, there are some pretty solid takeaways from how she’s handled her "golden years."
- Consistency is a superpower. She didn't become a household name overnight. She just kept showing up, day after day, for over fifty years.
- Adapt or die. She embraced television when it was new, then satellite, then social media and streaming. She didn't get stuck in "the way we used to do it."
- Invest in the next generation. She didn't hold onto the spotlight until the very end. She shared it with her family, which gave her ministry longevity.
- Keep learning. Her emphasis on Bible study and health shows that she views herself as a "work in progress," even in her 90s.
So, next time you see someone asking is Marilyn Hickey still alive, you can tell them that not only is she alive, she’s probably busier than most people half her age. She’s currently residing in the Denver area, close to her home base at Encounter Church, and continues to be a fixture in international Christian media.
To stay truly updated on her health and latest teachings, the best move is to check the official "Marilyn and Sarah" website or their YouTube channel, where they post fresh content almost daily. Avoid the tabloid "death alert" sites; if anything major happens, the ministry is very transparent and will be the first to post it on their official channels.