In a sudden loss that reverberated across the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, former apostle and BYU president, died early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City.
Leadership and Succession
Holland had served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the governing body that sets church policy and oversees its extensive business interests. He was the second-longest-tenured apostle after President Dallin H. Oaks, placing him next in line to lead the church under the established succession plan. With Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring-92 and one of Oaks’ two top counselors-moves up as the next candidate to assume the presidency.
The vacancy in the Quorum will be filled by Oaks in the coming months, most likely by calling a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council. Apostles in the church are all men, in accordance with its all-male priesthood structure.
Health and Hospitalization
The Church announced that Holland died from complications related to kidney disease. Earlier in the year, he had been hospitalized during the Christmas holiday for treatment of ongoing health issues. In October, when Oaks did not select Holland as a counselor, experts within the faith noted his declining health; Holland attended several church events that month in a wheelchair.
Education and Interfaith Work
Before his call to church leadership, Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and spent 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.
During his tenure at BYU, the university worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. The Anti-Defamation League honored Holland with its Torch of Liberty Award for his efforts to foster greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities.
Legacy and Controversies
Holland is widely remembered for a 2021 speech in which he urged church members to take up metaphorical muskets in defense of the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage. The talk, colloquially known as the “musket fire speech,” became required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, sparking concern among LGBTQ+ students and advocates.
Family and Survivors
Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. He is survived by their three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Church Response
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the death on its website, noting that Holland’s service to the church and to education will be deeply missed. The organization has issued a statement of condolences and will honor Holland’s legacy in the coming months.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, former apostle and BYU president, died early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City.
- He was second-longest-tenured apostle after President Dallin H. Oaks, making him next in line for the church presidency.
- Henry B. Eyring, 92, moves up as the next candidate for the presidency.
- Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve that will be filled by a new apostle.
- Holland’s legacy includes significant contributions to education, interfaith dialogue, and controversial speeches.
The church community and the broader public will continue to reflect on Holland’s impact as the organization mourns the loss of a key leader and educator.
