Jeffrey R. Holland President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Dies at 85
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially announced the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland who served as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Holland died early Saturday morning on December 27 2025 at the age of 85 while surrounded by his family in Salt Lake City. His death follows a brief period of hospitalization that began on Christmas Eve when church officials first reported he was receiving treatment for ongoing health complications. Despite receiving expert medical care and the prayers of millions of church members worldwide his condition declined during the post-holiday period. President Holland had recently been set apart as the president of the Quorum in October 2025 following a reorganization of the church leadership. His departure marks the end of a prolific ministry that spanned over three decades as a general authority and high-ranking apostle.+2
Throughout his tenure in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1994 President Holland became known as one of the most powerful and emotive orators within the faith. His sermons frequently addressed themes of mental health and perseverance along with the importance of divine grace in everyday life. Before his call to the apostleship he served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University in Provo where he significantly expanded the academic reputation of the institution. His background as a scholar with a doctorate from Yale University allowed him to bridge the gap between rigorous academic inquiry and deep religious conviction. This unique perspective made him a beloved figure among the youth of the church and students at the various church-owned educational institutions. Many members will remember him for his passionate defense of the core doctrines of the restoration and his vocal support for the international growth of the organization.
The personal life of President Holland was deeply intertwined with his public service and his devotion to his late wife Patricia Terry Holland who passed away in July 2023. The couple was frequently seen together at international assignments and their marriage was often cited by members as an example of a dedicated and loving partnership. In the years following her death President Holland continued his duties despite several recurring health challenges including a period of dialysis and recovery from a previous illness. He is survived by his three children including Elder Matthew S. Holland who currently serves as a General Authority Seventy within the same church hierarchy. The family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and the many tributes that have begun to arrive from every corner of the globe.
The death of President Holland creates a significant vacancy within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and will necessitate a new leadership structure for the senior governing body. According to the established protocols of the church the next most senior apostle in terms of ordination will be called to serve as the new president of the Quorum. This transition occurs at a time when the church is already navigating a period of significant administrative change following the death of President Russell M. Nelson earlier in late 2025. The remaining members of the Quorum will now focus on the funeral arrangements and the spiritual needs of the membership during this time of mourning. Formal funeral services are expected to be held at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in the coming week to allow the public to pay their final respects.
International reactions to the news have emphasized the global impact of the leadership and humanitarian work of President Holland. During his years of service he traveled to nearly every continent to dedicate temples and organize new congregations in developing nations. His influence extended beyond the pulpit as he worked with various political and religious leaders to advocate for religious freedom and charitable initiatives. As the church prepares for its upcoming general conference in April 2026 the vacancy in the Quorum will likely be addressed through the sustaining of a new apostle to complete the group of twelve. For now the community of faith remains focused on honoring the legacy of a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of his fellow men and the promotion of his religious beliefs.
