Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the designated successor for the presidency, has passed away at the age of 85. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed his death on Saturday morning, attributing it to complications related to kidney disease.
Holland, who was based in Salt Lake City, headed the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a governing body responsible for shaping church policies and overseeing the business operations of the Mormon church. Following President Dallin H. Oaks, Holland was the second-longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve, positioning him as the next in line to lead the church according to the established succession plan.
As per the existing hierarchy, Henry B. Eyring, aged 92 and one of Oaks’ top advisors, is now the successor in line for the presidency. Holland had been previously hospitalized for health issues during the Christmas season, and his failing health was noted by experts on the faith when he was not chosen as a counselor in October by Oaks.
With Holland’s passing, a vacancy has emerged in the Quorum of the Twelve, a role that Oaks is expected to fill in the upcoming months by appointing a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council. The church’s leadership structure mandates that apostles are exclusively men under the all-male priesthood.
Holland’s background saw him grow up in St. George, Utah, and pursue a career in education administration before transitioning to church leadership. He notably served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989 and was actively involved in the church’s global education system as a commissioner.
During his tenure at the Provo university, Holland championed efforts to enhance interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. His dedication to fostering understanding between Christian and Jewish communities earned him the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Award.
One of Holland’s notable speeches in 2021, often referred to as “the musket fire speech,” urged church members to defend the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage. The speech, which gained prominence, was later mandated reading for incoming BYU freshmen in 2024, sparking concerns among LGBTQ+ students and advocates.
Holland is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren following the passing of his wife, Patricia Terry Holland.