Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City, Utah at 3:15 a.m. He was 85 years old when he passed. His death was attributed to complications from kidney disease. His death marks a tragic moment for the faith, as he was next in line for the church presidency under its established succession protocols.
Jeffrey R. Holland: A Life Dedicated to Faith and Education
Holland served as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a high-ranking governing body within the church. Born in St. George, Utah, in 1940, Holland’s roots were deeply planted in the tight-knit community of his youth. He often spoke fondly of his upbringing, describing a childhood filled with sports and community support. In a biography released by the church’s website, Jeffrey R. Holland said, “I was always loved. But I was loved in a way that no child could have ever, ever asked for more.”
His path to leadership began with a mission to England as a young man, an experience he credited with cementing his commitment to his faith. He later pursued higher education with vigor, earning degrees in English and religious education from Brigham Young University (BYU) before obtaining master’s and doctorate degrees in American Studies from Yale University. Jeffrey R. Holland’s career was defined by a dual commitment to academia and ecclesiastical service
He served as the ninth president of BYU from 1980 to 1989. During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth, including the establishment of the BYU Jerusalem Center, a project that required careful diplomatic navigation. His efforts to build bridges between faith communities were recognized when the Anti-Defamation League awarded him the “Torch of Liberty” award.
A Teacher at Heart
Despite his high administrative and religious offices, those who knew Holland best described him primarily as a teacher. Per Deseret News, Close friend and fellow BYU administrator and church leader Elder Bruce C. Hafen said of Jeffrey R. Holland, “He was, like the scripture said of Christ, ‘a teacher sent from God.”‘
This pedagogical approach defined his decades of service as an apostle, a position he held since 1994. Jeffrey R. Holland traveled the globe, offering sermons that were often characterized by their rhetorical skill and emotional resonance. He addressed complex issues ranging from mental health to the importance of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. Jeffrey R. Holland faced scrutiny in 2021 following a speech at BYU where he used the metaphor of “musket fire” to call for the defense of traditional church teachings on marriage. The remarks drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and students, sparking a broader conversation about the balance between religious doctrine and inclusivity at the university.
passing leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Under church procedure, Dallin H. Oaks, the current First Counselor in the First Presidency, remains next in line to lead the church. The vacancy left by Jeffrey R. Holland will likely be filled in the coming months by a new apostle selected by church leadership. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland, who passed away in July 2023. He is survived by their three children, Matthew, Mary Alice, and David, as well as 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Final Thoughts
As the church community mourns, Holland is remembered not just for the offices he held, but for the personal connections he fostered. His son, Matthew Holland, reflected on his father’s priorities, noting, “You always knew Dad was happiest when he was at home with his family.”
