Jeffrey R. Holland, Next In Line To Lead Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Dies At 85

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was next in line to become the faith’s president, has passed away at the age of 85.

Holland succumbed to complications related to kidney disease early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City, as announced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on its website.

As a leader of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Holland played a key role in setting church policy and overseeing the business interests of the Mormon church.

After President Dallin H. Oaks, Holland was the next longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve, positioning him to lead the church according to the established succession plan.

Following Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring, one of Oaks’ top counselors, is now next in line for the presidency.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 16: Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, listens to President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints answer questions at a press conference after Nelson was announced as the 17th president of the Mormon Church on January 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

George Frey via Getty Images

Holland had been receiving treatment for health complications during the Christmas holiday and his declining health was evident in October when Oaks did not appoint him as a counselor. He was seen using a wheelchair at several church events that month.

With Holland’s passing, Oaks will soon appoint a new apostle to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. Apostles within the church are exclusively men as per the all-male priesthood.

Holland, originally from St. George, Utah, had a background in education administration before assuming a leadership role within the church. He notably served as the president of Brigham Young University and contributed to enhancing interfaith relations and establishing a campus in Jerusalem.

Recognized for his efforts in promoting understanding between different religious communities, Holland’s legacy also includes a speech in 2021 urging church members to defend the faith’s teachings on same-sex marriage, which sparked controversy among LGBTQ+ individuals and advocates.

Holland is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, following the passing of his wife, Patricia Terry Holland.

This story has been corrected to reflect that Holland was preceded in death by his wife.

Associated Press Writer Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed.