Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the anticipated successor to the presidency, has passed away at the age of 85. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed his death due to complications related to kidney disease on Saturday.
Holland, who was based in Salt Lake City, presided over the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a governing body responsible for guiding church policies and overseeing the business endeavors of the Mormon church. He held the second-longest tenure in the Quorum after President Dallin H. Oaks, positioning him as the next in line for the church’s leadership as per the established succession protocol.
Following Holland’s passing, the succession order now places Henry B. Eyring, aged 92 and one of Oaks’ principal advisors, as the next in line for the presidency.
The church disclosed that Holland had been hospitalized over the Christmas period for health treatments, hinting at his declining health last October when Oaks did not appoint him as a counselor. Holland’s absence will result in a vacant position in the Quorum of the Twelve, which Oaks is expected to fill in the near future by appointing a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council, as per the church’s male-only priesthood tradition.
Holland’s background includes a childhood in St. George, Utah, and a career in education administration before his leadership role in the church. He previously served as the president of Brigham Young University and played a vital role in enhancing interfaith relationships and establishing a campus in Jerusalem, earning accolades such as the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League for his efforts in promoting understanding between Christian and Jewish communities.
His notable 2021 speech urging church members to defend traditional teachings on same-sex marriage, known informally as the “muskets speech,” stirred controversy when it was made mandatory reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and students.
Holland is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, following the passing of his wife, Patricia Terry Holland.
