At a Glance
- Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, former BYU president and next-in-line LDS apostle, died in Salt Lake City.
- He succumbed to complications of kidney disease.
- His death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- Why it matters: The loss of a senior church leader reshapes succession plans and the organization’s leadership structure.
Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, former BYU president and next-in-line leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday morning in Salt Lake City after complications from kidney disease, the church announced. He had been hospitalized during the Christmas holiday for ongoing health complications. His death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve that President Dallin H. Oaks will fill in coming months.
Church Leadership and Succession
Holland had served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 2007, becoming the longest-tenured apostle after President Dallin H. Oaks, who assumed the church presidency in October. With Oaks now 93, the next in line is Henry B. Eyring, 92, one of Oaks’ top counselors. Holland’s death creates a vacancy that Oaks will fill by calling a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council.
Legacy and Service
A lifelong educator, Holland was the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989 and later served as a commissioner of the church’s global education system. He helped foster interfaith dialogue, establishing a satellite campus in Jerusalem, and received the Anti-Defamation League‘s “Torch of Liberty” award for promoting Christian-Jewish understanding. He was known as a dynamic orator, speaking on depression in 2013 and on defending faith teachings against same-sex marriage in 2021.
Personal Reflections
President Oaks said:
> “Over the last three decades as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he lifted the weary, encouraged the faithful and bore a powerful witness of the Savior – even through seasons of significant personal trials.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said:
> “His words had a way of penetrating my soul like no other. In times of trial or darkness, I would return to them over and over again and feel the light and peace I needed.”
Survivors
Holland is survived by his wife Patricia Terry Holland (who passed earlier), three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey R. Holland, 85, former BYU president and next-in-line LDS apostle, died of kidney disease complications.
- His death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that will be filled by a new apostle.
- The church’s succession plan places Henry B. Eyring next in line for the presidency.
The passing of Holland marks a significant moment for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its global membership.
