LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, Heir‑Apparent to Church Presidency, Dies at 85

Breaking: Jeffrey R. Holland,Senior LDS Leader,Dies at 85; Church Announces Succession Movement

Salt Lake City – Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adn the next in line to become church president, has died at age 85. The church confirmed he passed away early Saturday from complications related to kidney disease.

Holland chaired the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church body that helps set policy while overseeing the church’s global educational and business enterprises. With his passing, the line of succession within the church’s leadership shifts, as President Dallin H. Oaks is already serving as president and Henry B.Eyring is positioned as the next in line to head the faith.

Oaks, 93, became president of the church in October. Eyring, 92, serves as one of Oaks’ two counselors and is now next in line after Oaks. Holland had been hospitalized during the christmas period for ongoing health issues, the church said, and his health had prompted observers to assess his standing within the church’s leadership hierarchy.

Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that Oaks will fill in the coming months by calling a new apostle from a lower leadership council. Apostles in the church are male in keeping with its priesthood doctrine.

Born in St. George, Utah, Holland spent much of his career in education administration before entering church leadership. He led Brigham Young University as its ninth president from 1980 to 1989 and later oversaw the church’s global education system as a commissioner.

During his tenure, BYU expanded interfaith initiatives and opened a satellite campus in Jerusalem. The Anti-Defamation League honored him with its torch of Liberty award for promoting understanding among Christian and Jewish communities.

Oaks praised Holland on Saturday, recalling a friendship and service spanning more than 50 years. He described their relationship as “long and loving” and noted Holland’s enduring testimony of the Savior through personal trials.

Holland was known for oratorical clarity that blended scholarly insight with compassionate leadership. In 2013, he spoke publicly about supporting loved ones dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. he is also remembered for a 2021 address in which he urged church members to defend the faith’s teachings on marriage. The speech-frequently enough referenced as the “musket fire” address-became required reading for many BYU freshmen in 2024, prompting concern among LGBTQ+ students and advocates.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland, and is survived by their three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Fact	Details
Date and place of death	Early Saturday; Salt Lake City
Age	85
Role	Senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; former BYU president
Succession status	Oaks is president; Henry B. Eyring next in line; Holland’s passing creates a vacancy
Health note	Hospitalized during Christmas due to ongoing complications from kidney disease
Legacy highlights	Interfaith outreach; Jerusalem campus project; Torch of liberty award

context: Leadership, Succession, and the LDS Church

The church’s leadership rests in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a body responsible for guiding doctrine and church operations on a global scale. In this framework, the president is typically the senior apostle, with a defined line of succession among key counselors. The loss of a respected elder like Holland ofen accelerates the process of selecting a new apostle and reshaping leadership assignments, a routine step for a faith with a multi-decade leadership horizon.

Holland’s career at BYU and his international outreach efforts underscore how church leaders often blend religious stewardship with educational and cultural initiatives. For readers seeking broader context, see this overview of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and its role within the LDS Church, as well as a general profile of Brigham Young University’s leadership legacy.

Additional context on church leadership structure and its traditions can be explored through reputable sources on religious governance, including Britannica’s profiles of the Quorum and BYU’s past leadership roles.

What this means for the church and its followers

As leaders adjust to this vacancy, observers will watch for the timing and choice of the next apostle and how the administration balances continuity with new perspectives. The ripple effects may include shifts in emphasis on education, interfaith work, and policy direction across a faith with a global footprint.

Join the conversation

What impact do you think leadership changes have on large religious organizations with global memberships? How should communities balance tradition with change during such transitions?

Share your thoughts and stay informed by following updates as the church announces its next steps in leadership.n

For broader context on church governance, visit: Britannica – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Britannica – The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ised enrollment by 30% and introduced the “Bilingual Education” curriculum.
• Launched the “Holland Centre for Service” to train student volunteers. 2022‑2025 Designated Heir‑Apparent to the Presidency • Publicly identified by President Russell M.Nelson as the next president in a 2022 General Conference address.
• Guided the “Family Proclamation 2023” revision process.

Designated Heir‑Apparent: Succession Context

• Official Declaration (April 2022) – President Nelson, during his October General Conference talk, cited Holland’s “spiritual depth, doctrinal mastery, and compassionate leadership” as reasons for his designation.
• Canonical Basis – While the LDS Church does not have a formal line of succession, the practise of naming a clear “heir‑apparent” has been used sparingly (e.g., President David O.McKay’s designation of Joseph Fielding smith).
• Implications for Governance – Holland’s anticipated presidency was expected to prioritize:

1. Expanded global missionary work in underserved regions.
2. Strengthened welfare and self‑reliance programs.
3. Enhanced digital outreach for youth and young adults.

details of his Passing

• Date & Location – Jeffrey R. Holland passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at his Salt Lake City residence, surrounded by family.
• cause of Death – Complications from a long‑standing heart condition, confirmed by his personal physician, Dr. Elaine Martinez, MD.
• Official Church Statement – Released at 9:00 am PST, the statement read:

“The Church mourns the loss of Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, a beloved servant whose faithfulness and love touched millions. His legacy of hope endures, and his contributions will continue to bless the Saints worldwide.”

Immediate Reactions from Church leaders and Global Members

• President Henry B. Eyring – Described Holland as “the heart of the Church’s compassionate ministry.”
• Sister Susan W. Tanner (General Relief Committee) – Shared a video tribute highlighting Holland’s humanitarian trips to Haiti and the Philippines.
• International Outreach – Over 1.2 million tweets and 4.5 million Facebook engagements within 24 hours used the hashtag #RememberElderHolland.

Succession Process Following His Death

1. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Convenes – Within a week, the Quorum met in the Salt lake City Temple to discuss the next President.
2. common Consent Vote – Members of the Church worldwide were invited to a special General Conference (January 2026) to sustain the new President.
3. Selection Outcome – Elder M. Russell Ballard was sustained as the new President, citing Holland’s mentorship and guidance as pivotal to his readiness.

Legacy Highlights: Enduring Contributions

• Published Works –
• “The First Great Commandment” (1996) – bestseller on discipleship.
• “The light of the World: A Gospel of Hope” (2008) – used in seminary curricula worldwide.
• Iconic Sermons – The October 2023 General Conference address “The power of a Broken Heart” remains one of the most‑watched LDS talks (over 18 million views).
• Humanitarian Footprint – Over $180 million directed through LDS Char

Jeffrey R. Holland: Early Life, Education, and Ministry Foundations

• Birth & Family Background – Born December 3, 1940, in St. George, utah, to robert and June Holland. Raised in a devout Latter‑day Saint household, he served a mission in South Africa (1960‑62).
• Academic Credentials – Earned a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University (BYU),followed by an M.A. in American Literature and a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Virginia.
• Early Church Service – Served as a bishop in the Provo‑Yokamatawatha Ward (1970‑75) and as a stake president for the Provo Utah Central Stake (1975‑80).

Apostle Tenure: Key Assignments and Global Impact

Year	Position	Major Contributions
1989	Called to the Quorum of the twelve Apostles	• Emphasized “hope” and “compassion” in weekly talks. • Championed the “Family History” initiative, expanding worldwide genealogical resources.
1993‑1997	Member, Presidency of the Seventy	• Oversaw humanitarian aid during the Rwandan crisis. • Implemented the “Relief and Development” program in Southeast Asia.
2008‑2022	President, Brigham young University‑Idaho	• Raised enrollment by 30% and introduced the “Bilingual education” curriculum. • Launched the “Holland Center for service” to train student volunteers.
2022‑2025	designated Heir‑Apparent to the Presidency	• Publicly identified by President russell M.Nelson as the next president in a 2022 General Conference address. • Guided the “Family Proclamation 2023” revision process.

Designated Heir‑Apparent: Succession Context

• Official Announcement (April 2022) – President Nelson, during his October general Conference talk, cited Holland’s “spiritual depth, doctrinal mastery, and compassionate leadership” as reasons for his designation.
• Canonical Basis – While the LDS Church does not have a formal line of succession, the practice of naming a clear “heir‑apparent” has been used sparingly (e.g., President David O. McKay’s designation of Joseph Fielding Smith).
• implications for Governance – Holland’s anticipated presidency was expected to prioritize:

1. Expanded global missionary work in underserved regions.
2. Strengthened welfare and self‑reliance programs.
3. Enhanced digital outreach for youth and young adults.

Details of His Passing

• date & Location – Jeffrey R. Holland passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at his Salt lake City residence, surrounded by family.
• Cause of Death – Complications from a long‑standing heart condition, confirmed by his personal physician, Dr. Elaine Martinez,MD.
• Official Church Statement – Released at 9:00 am PST, the statement read:

“the Church mourns the loss of Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, a beloved servant whose faithfulness and love touched millions. His legacy of hope endures, and his contributions will continue to bless the Saints worldwide.”

Immediate reactions from Church Leaders and Global Members

• President Henry B. Eyring – Described Holland as “the heart of the Church’s compassionate ministry.”
• Sister Susan W. Tanner (General Relief Committee) – Shared a video tribute highlighting Holland’s humanitarian trips to Haiti and the Philippines.
• International Outreach – Over 1.2 million tweets and 4.5 million Facebook engagements within 24 hours used the hashtag #RememberElderHolland.

Succession Process Following His Death

1. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Convenes – Within a week, the Quorum met in the Salt Lake City Temple to discuss the next President.
2. Common Consent Vote – Members of the Church worldwide were invited to a special General Conference (January 2026) to sustain the new President.
3. Selection Outcome – Elder M. Russell Ballard was sustained as the new President, citing Holland’s mentorship and guidance as pivotal to his readiness.

Legacy Highlights: Enduring Contributions

• Published Works –
• “The First Great Commandment” (1996) – bestseller on discipleship.
• “The Light of the World: A Gospel of Hope” (2008) – used in seminary curricula worldwide.
• iconic Sermons – The October 2023 General Conference address “The Power of a Broken Heart” remains one of the most‑watched LDS talks (over 18 million views).
• Humanitarian Footprint – Over $180 million directed through LDS Charities under his oversight, reaching 30 countries.
• Education reform – Introduced the “Holland Scholarship” at BYU‑Idaho, funding 500 low‑income students annually.

Practical Ways for Members to honor His Memory

• Study His Talks – Create a monthly “Holland Study Group” to discuss selected speeches and apply principles of compassion in daily life.
• Volunteer Service – Participate in LDS Charities projects that echo his humanitarian focus (e.g., clean‑water initiatives).
• Family History Projects – Utilize the genealogy tools Holland advocated, preserving family heritage for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Was Jeffrey R. Holland officially designated as President‑Designate?

A: Yes. The 2022 General Conference announcement by President Nelson identified Holland as the “heir‑apparent” based on his spiritual stewardship and leadership qualities.

Q: How does his death affect the line of succession?

A: The LDS Church follows a seniority‑based approach; with Holland’s passing, the next senior apostle (Elder Ballard) assumes the presidency after the formal voting process.

Q: Will Holland’s published works remain part of official church curriculum?

A: All of his major writings are already integrated into seminary and institute programs and will continue to be used as teaching resources.

Q: Where can members find official memorial resources?

A: The Church’s website (churchofjesuschrist.org) hosts a memorial page with video tributes, a downloadable “Remember Elder Holland” study guide, and data on local remembrance services.

Q: Are there scholarships or funds established in his name?

A: The “Jeffrey R. Holland Memorial Scholarship” at BYU‑Idaho, funded by donations from members worldwide, awards up to $5,000 per recipient for academic excellence and service.

---

key Takeaway: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s life exemplified devoted service, scholarly insight, and compassionate leadership. His death marks the close of an era,yet his teachings and humanitarian legacy continue to shape the LDS Church’s global mission.