Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and next in line to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Dec. 27 in Salt Lake City at age 85 from complications of kidney disease. Holland’s long career included serving as BYU president (1980–1989) and joining the Quorum in 1994. His 2021 speech defending the church’s stance on same-sex marriage resurfaced in 2024 and provoked criticism. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland, and is survived by three children and a large family.
Jeffrey R. Holland, Senior LDS Leader and President-in-Waiting, Dies at 85
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsJeffrey R. Holland
Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — making him next in line to lead the church — died early on Dec. 27 at age 85.
The church said Holland passed away in Salt Lake City at approximately 3:15 a.m., surrounded by family. A church statement and reporting by The Associated Press said he died from complications related to kidney disease.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsJeffrey R. Holland delivering a speech at Brigham Young University in the 1980s
Role and Church Succession
Holland served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the council of 12 senior leaders who guide doctrine, oversee global operations and minister to the worldwide membership. By longstanding tradition in the church, the president of the Quorum becomes the next church president when the sitting president dies; Holland was therefore next in line behind current church president Dallin H. Oaks.
"I grieve the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland," President Dallin H. Oaks wrote in a statement shared on Facebook, recalling more than five decades of shared work in education and church service and praising Holland's "unwavering devotion, his steadfast witness of the Savior, and his inspired ability to strengthen faith and deepen understanding."
Life, Education and Career
Born Dec. 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, Holland earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in religious education from Brigham Young University (BYU). He later completed a master’s and a doctorate in American studies at Yale University. Holland worked in higher education for many years and served as BYU president from 1980 to 1989. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1994.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsJeffrey R. Holland in 1980
Controversies and Public Response
Holland drew controversy in 2021 when he delivered a speech defending the church’s position opposing same-sex marriage. The address resurfaced in 2024 after BYU assigned it as required reading for incoming freshmen, a decision that prompted criticism from LGBTQ+ students and advocacy groups.
Family
Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland, who died on July 20, 2023. He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. The church has shared that members and friends will be provided information about memorial services as details are finalized.
Note: This article summarizes public reporting and statements from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Associated Press.
