Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85

Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of the most influential figures in the modern history of the faith, has died at the age of 85. Holland served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a prestigious governing body within the church. At the time of his death, he was next in line to lead the global faith, which counts millions of adherents worldwide. His passing marks a significant transition for the church and its leadership.

Holland died early on December 27, 2025, in Salt Lake City, after complications from long-term kidney disease. He had been hospitalized for treatment and surrounded by family at the time of his death, according to announcements by church officials. His passing came just a few months after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the former president of the church, underscoring a period of rapid change within the church’s highest leadership.

Born on December 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, Holland dedicated his life to religious service, education, and ecclesiastical leadership. He first gained national prominence within the church as the ninth president of Brigham Young University, a position he held from 1980 to 1989. During his tenure at BYU, he strengthened academic programs and fostered a commitment to integrating spiritual and intellectual pursuits. One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of a study and service center in Jerusalem, providing students with unique opportunities for religious and cultural engagement overseas.

In 1994, Holland was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest leadership body in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Apostles serve for life under the church’s hierarchical structure, and Holland’s long tenure made him a central figure in shaping church policy and guidance. In October 2025, he was appointed president of the Quorum, making him the most senior apostle outside of the church presidency itself. This position traditionally placed him next in line to become president of the entire church.

Throughout his decades of service, Holland became known for his passionate preaching, his deep commitment to faith, and his ability to connect with church members around the world. His speeches often focused on themes of resilience, spiritual discipline, and unwavering devotion to the church’s teachings. He was also known for his clarity in addressing complex doctrinal topics and his willingness to engage with difficult social issues, bringing a thoughtful and often pastoral perspective to conversations within the church community.

One of the most widely discussed moments of his later career came in 2021, when Holland delivered a speech on the importance of traditional teachings on marriage. That address became widely circulated within church educational settings and underscored his dedication to what he described as foundational doctrines of the faith. While the speech generated discussion both within and outside the church, it highlighted Holland’s role as a prominent voice on matters of belief, moral instruction, and religious identity.

Holland’s influence extended beyond sermons and speeches. He was deeply involved in missionary work, educational outreach, and international service. Members of the church often spoke of him as a source of inspiration and spiritual strength, recalling personal encounters, conference addresses, and visits to church congregations. His voice and presence were fixtures in general conferences and religious broadcasts, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Latter-day Saints.

Despite his public stature, Holland was also remembered for his personal warmth, humor, and devotion to family. He married Patricia Terry Holland in 1963, and the couple raised three children together. His family life was described by friends and colleagues as a pillar of his identity, reflecting his belief in the importance of family and faith intertwined.

Holland’s death leaves a significant vacancy in the church’s leadership structure. With his passing, Henry B. Eyring, another senior church leader, becomes the de facto president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, although church governance titles and roles may be adjusted in coming weeks as the church announces its organizational response. The vacancy in the Quorum will eventually be filled according to longstanding church procedures, which typically involve calling a new apostle from among the church’s general authorities.

Tributes to Holland poured in from church leaders and members following the announcement of his death. Many highlighted his decades of service, his dedication to spreading the faith, and his commitment to nurturing spiritual growth among believers. Church officials described him as a devoted servant whose legacy would continue to shape the faith’s direction for years to come.

Jeffrey R. Holland’s life was marked by service, scholarship, and leadership. From his early days in education to his final years as a leading apostle, he devoted himself to a life of faith and instruction. His passing represents both an end of an era and a moment of reflection for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as they honor his contributions and look ahead to the future leadership of their faith community.