Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the next in line to become its president, died on Saturday morning at the age of 85.
Death and Succession
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on its website that Holland died early Saturday morning from complications associated with kidney disease. Holland had been the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles after President Dallin H. Oaks, making him next in line to lead the church under the established succession plan. With Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring, one of Oaks’ two top counselors, is now the next in line for the presidency.
Health History
Holland was hospitalized during the Christmas holiday for treatment related to ongoing health complications, the church said. In October, when Oaks did not select Holland as a counselor, experts on the faith pointed to his declining health. Holland attended several church events that month in a wheelchair, demonstrating the seriousness of his condition.
Leadership and Legacy
Before joining the Quorum, Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and worked for many years in education administration. He served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989 and was a commissioner of the church’s global education system. Under his leadership, BYU worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. The Anti-Defamation League later honored Holland with its Torch of Liberty Award for helping foster greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities.
Holland is widely remembered for a 2021 speech in which he called on church members to take up metaphorical muskets in defense of the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage. The talk, known colloquially as “the musket fire speech,” became required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, raising concern among LGBTQ+ students and advocates.
Personal Life
Holland is survived by his wife, Patricia Terry; their three children; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Impact and Controversies
Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve that President Oaks will fill in the coming months, likely by calling a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council. Apostles are all men in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood, a fact that shapes the succession process.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, died from complications of kidney disease.
- Henry B. Eyring becomes the next in line for the church presidency.
- Holland’s legacy includes BYU presidency, interfaith work, and the “musket fire speech.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will announce a new apostle in the near future, and Holland’s contributions to education and interfaith dialogue will remain a part of the church’s history.
