Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the expected future president of the faith, has passed away at the age of 85. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed that Holland died early on Saturday due to complications related to kidney disease.
Based in Salt Lake City, Holland oversaw the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a governing body responsible for guiding church policies and managing the business affairs of the organization, commonly known as the Mormon church. As the second-longest serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve after President Dallin H. Oaks, Holland was next in line to assume the leadership of the church as per the established succession protocol.
Following Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring, aged 92 and one of Oaks’ chief advisors, is now positioned to succeed to the presidency. Holland’s recent hospitalization during the Christmas season for health complications hinted at his declining health, especially after Oaks did not appoint him as a counselor in October. Observers noted his use of a wheelchair during church events that month.
The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve left by Holland’s demise will soon be filled by Oaks, who is expected to appoint a new apostle from a lower-level leadership council to the position. In accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood structure, apostles are exclusively male.
Holland’s background includes growing up in St. George, Utah, and extensive experience in educational administration before transitioning to church leadership. Notably, he served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989 and played a key role in the church’s global education system as a commissioner.
During his tenure, Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, focused on fostering interfaith relationships and launched a satellite campus in Jerusalem. Holland was recognized by the Anti-Defamation League with the Torch of Liberty Award for his efforts in promoting understanding between Christian and Jewish communities.
One of Holland’s memorable speeches in 2021 urged church members to defend the faith’s teachings on same-sex marriage, earning it the nickname “the musket fire speech.” The address became mandatory reading for first-year students at BYU in 2024, sparking concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals and advocates.
Jeffrey R. Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland, and is survived by their three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.