Beloved LDS Leader Jeffrey R. Holland Dies at 85 After Kidney Disease Battle
SALT LAKE CITY — President Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, died early Saturday at age 85 from complications related to kidney disease, the church announced. He passed away at approximately 3:15 a.m. MST while surrounded by family after being hospitalized late last week.
Holland, known for his deep faith, compassionate leadership and powerful sermons, had served as an apostle since June 23, 1994 — a tenure spanning over three decades guiding one of the world’s largest Christian denominations. At the time of his death, he was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a position he assumed in October 2025 following the reorganization of church leadership.
A Life of Faith, Scholarship and Service
Jeffrey Roy Holland was born December 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, and grew up deeply rooted in his faith and community. He earned degrees in English and religious education from Brigham Young University (BYU) and later received a master’s and Ph.D. in American studies from Yale University.
Before his calling as an apostle, Holland had an influential career in education. He served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (1980–1989), a role in which he strengthened academic programs and helped expand the university’s global reach, including support for development of the BYU Jerusalem Center.
In April 1989, Holland was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy, a leadership body that manages church affairs in geographic areas worldwide. Just five years later, in 1994, he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the highest offices in the church, charged with doctrinal stewardship and global ministry.
Leadership and Legacy
Widely respected for his eloquence and pastoral depth, Holland was beloved by Latter-day Saints around the world. He traveled extensively in his apostolic ministry, meeting with congregations across continents and dedicating temples and stakes. In 2015 he made history as the first Latter-day Saint leader to address the British Parliament, speaking on humanitarian aid efforts.
Church members often praised his combination of intellectual strength and emotional warmth. Colleagues described him as a teacher who could lift individuals with both empathy and doctrinal clarity. His messages on faith, resilience and compassion resonated deeply across generations, as did his frequent emphasis on Christ-centered principles.
Holland’s teachings also addressed struggles with depression and adversity, offering personal reflections that helped normalize emotional challenges within his faith community. He encouraged empathy and spiritual strength, particularly in times of hardship.
Health Challenges and Final Years
In recent years, Holland faced ongoing health issues. Earlier in 2025, his appearances at church events were sometimes from a wheelchair, and he publicly contended with complications associated with kidney disease, for which he had been receiving treatment including dialysis. His hospitalization before his death followed a period of declining health.
Despite these challenges, he continued to contribute to international church discourse, including preaching at the October 2025 General Conference, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his calling even in frailty.
Family and Personal Life
Holland married Patricia Terry Holland in the St. George Utah Temple in 1963. The couple raised three children — Matthew Scott, Mary Alice, and David Frank — and were loving grandparents and great-grandparents. Patricia passed away in 2023.
His family and the church community were with him in his final moments, marking an end to a life dedicated to faith, education and service. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
A Vacancy at the Quorum’s Helm
With Holland’s death, the presidency of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — traditionally held by the most senior apostle not serving in the First Presidency — becomes vacant. Under church succession norms, Henry B. Eyring, another senior apostle, is expected to step into that role.
Holland’s passing also underscores the ongoing transitions in LDS leadership following the death of church president Russell M. Nelson earlier in 2025.
Remembering an Influential Voice
President Jeffrey R. Holland’s legacy extends through his decades of leadership, his profound influence on educational institutions and his heartfelt ministry touching the lives of millions. Loved for both doctrine and compassion, his voice shaped theological conversations and personal faith journeys across continents.
As church members and observers reflect on his life and teachings, Holland is remembered not just as a religious leader but as a guiding voice offering comfort, challenge and hope.
