SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jeffrey R. Holland, a top official in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the faith’s next president, has died. He is 85 years old.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on its website that Holland died early Saturday morning of complications from kidney disease.
Holland, who died in Salt Lake City, led a governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which helped shape church policy while overseeing the many business interests known as the Mormon Church.
He is the second-longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, behind President Dallin H. Oaks, making him the next in line to lead the Church under a long-established succession plan.
Henry B. Eyring, one of Oakes’ two top advisers, is now the next presidential candidate.
Holland was hospitalized over Christmas due to ongoing health complications, the church said. Faith experts noted that Holland’s health was deteriorating in October when Oaks did not select him as an adviser. He attended several church services that month in a wheelchair.
His death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which Oakes will fill in the coming months, most likely by calling a new apostle from the lower leadership council. According to the church’s all-male priesthood, the apostles were all men.
Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and spent many years working in educational administration before joining church leadership. From 1980 to 1989, he served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University, Utah’s flagship faith-based school, and as commissioner of the church’s global education system.
Under his leadership, the University of Provo worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. The Anti-Defamation League later awarded Holland the Torch of Freedom Award for helping to promote greater understanding between the Christian and Jewish communities.
Holland is widely remembered for a 2021 speech in which he called on church members to take up metaphorical rifles and defend faith teachings that opposed same-sex marriage. The speech, commonly known as the “Musket Speech,” became required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024 and attracted the attention of LGBTQ+ students and advocates.
Holland is survived by his wife, Patricia Terry, their three children, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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Associated Press writer Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed.
