Jeffrey R. Holland, a highly esteemed leader within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the immediate successor in line to its global presidency, has died at the age of 85. The Church officially announced his passing early Saturday morning, stating that he succumbed to complications stemming from kidney disease. His death marks a profound moment for the faith, as Elder Holland occupied one of its most influential ecclesiastical offices, guiding millions of members worldwide.
As a long-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Holland held a central role in articulating church doctrine, shaping policy, and overseeing the extensive administrative and missionary efforts of the global organization. His position as the second most senior apostle, following President Dallin H. Oaks, placed him directly in line to assume the church’s highest leadership office under its unique and long-established succession plan. This system ensures continuity and stability at the helm of the rapidly growing faith.
With Elder Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring, who currently serves as one of President Oaks’s two top counselors in the First Presidency, now becomes the next in line for the church presidency. Elder Holland’s health had been a subject of increasing concern in recent months, with the church confirming his hospitalization during the Christmas holiday period for ongoing health complications. Public appearances in October saw him using a wheelchair, underscoring his declining physical condition.
Faith experts had closely monitored Elder Holland’s health, noting its potential implications for the church’s future leadership. His absence from key appointments, such as President Oaks’s selection of counselors earlier in the year, was interpreted by some as an indication of his worsening condition, despite his continued dedication to his apostolic duties.
Born and raised in St. George, Utah, Jeffrey R. Holland embarked on a distinguished career in educational administration prior to his call to senior church leadership. He notably served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (BYU), the Church’s prominent flagship educational institution, from 1980 to 1989. His leadership at BYU was marked by significant academic and infrastructural developments.
Beyond his presidency at BYU, Elder Holland also held the crucial role of commissioner for the church’s global education system. In this capacity, he oversaw a vast network of colleges, universities, and religious seminaries worldwide, ensuring that the faith’s educational initiatives aligned with its core doctrines and global outreach objectives.
During his tenure at BYU, Elder Holland was a vocal advocate for improving interfaith relations, notably pioneering the establishment of a satellite campus in Jerusalem. This initiative aimed to foster greater understanding and dialogue between diverse religious communities. His tireless efforts in promoting religious harmony were formally recognized when the Anti-Defamation League honored him with its prestigious Torch of Liberty Award.
Elder Holland’s public ministry also included moments of significant public discourse, notably his impactful 2021 speech, colloquially known as “the musket fire speech.” In this address, delivered at BYU, he passionately urged church members to metaphorically “take up your musket” in defense of the faith’s traditional teachings regarding marriage, particularly in opposition to same-sex unions.
The “musket fire speech” later became a mandatory reading for freshmen at BYU in 2024, a decision that sparked considerable debate and concern among LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and their allies. Critics argued that the speech contributed to an unwelcoming environment, highlighting ongoing tensions within the church regarding its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
His passing creates a significant vacancy within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a body of 12 men who serve under the First Presidency. President Oaks is anticipated to fill this crucial position in the coming months, typically by extending a call to a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council. In strict adherence to the church’s all-male priesthood, all apostles are men, a foundational aspect of the institution’s governance.
Elder Holland’s extensive and influential service leaves an enduring legacy within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, impacting both its administrative direction and its spiritual guidance for millions of adherents. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Terry Holland, their three children, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who mourn his passing.
