Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was positioned to assume the presidency of the faith, has died at 85. The church announced on its official website that Holland passed away early Saturday morning due to complications related to kidney disease.
Before his death in Salt Lake City, Holland served as a member and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a central governing council responsible for guiding church policies and managing extensive business operations under the LDS Church umbrella, commonly referred to as the Mormon faith. Following the church's established line of succession, Holland was the second most senior apostle after President Dallin H. Oaks, placing him next in line to lead the church.
Now, Henry B. Eyring, aged 92 and one of Oaks’ top counselors, moves up to be the presumptive successor to the church presidency.
The church disclosed that Holland was hospitalized over the Christmas holiday period for ongoing health issues. Observers of the church noted signs of his declining health in October when Oaks forwent choosing Holland as a counselor, with reports indicating Holland's attendance at church events using a wheelchair that month.
Holland’s passing creates a vacancy within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which Oaks will fill in the forthcoming months, likely by selecting a new apostle from a subordinate leadership council. It is notable that all apostles are men, consistent with the church’s all-male priesthood doctrine.
Raised in St. George, Utah, Holland’s career prior to full-time church leadership focused on education administration. From 1980 to 1989, he served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (BYU), the flagship institution of the LDS Church located in Utah. In addition to that role, he acted as a commissioner overseeing the church’s worldwide education system. Under his direction, BYU worked on enhancing interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. For his efforts in promoting understanding between Christian and Jewish faiths, Holland was honored by the Anti-Defamation League with the Torch of Liberty Award.
He is also known for a 2021 speech in which he urged church members to defend the church’s teachings on same-sex marriage using strong, metaphorical language involving muskets. This speech, commonly called the “musket fire speech,” was incorporated into required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, generating concern among LGBTQ+ students and advocates.
Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. He leaves behind three children, thirteen grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren.