Jeffrey Roy Holland, a revered senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a former president of Brigham Young University (BYU), passed away on December 27, 2025. He was 85 years old.
The LDS Church confirmed the news on social media platform X, stating that Elder Holland died from complications related to kidney disease. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Reflecting on his lifelong mission, Holland once said, hours after his call to be an Apostle in 1994, that his "total responsibility" was to bear witness of Jesus Christ, calling it the "most pleasant and most rewarding and most thrilling assignment a man can have in this world."
A Pillar of LDS Leadership and Global Influence
At the time of his death, Jeffrey R. Holland held one of the highest positions in the LDS Church's leadership structure. He had been serving as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October 14, 2025. Prior to this, he acted as the quorum's president from November 2023 until September 2025.
As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he was sustained by church members as a prophet, seer, and revelator. He was the second-most senior apostle at the time of his death, a testament to his decades of dedicated service.
His influence extended far beyond church headquarters. Holland played a pivotal role in shaping the church's modern missionary program, notably contributing to the development of "Preach My Gospel." He held crucial leadership assignments across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and represented the faith at prestigious global forums including Harvard, Oxford, Yale, and the UK Parliament.
From St. George to Yale: An Educator at Heart
Born on December 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, Holland was raised in a Latter-day Saint family. His academic journey began at Dixie College, was interrupted by missionary service in Great Britain, and continued at Brigham Young University where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees.
His scholarly pursuit then took him to Yale University, where he earned a second master's degree and a PhD in American Studies. His doctoral dissertation focused on the religious thought of author Mark Twain, showcasing his deep intellectual engagement with faith and culture.
Holland's career was fundamentally intertwined with LDS education. In a remarkable rise, he was appointed Dean of Religious Education at BYU at the young age of 33 in 1974, founding the Religious Studies Center. He later served as Commissioner of the Church Educational System (CES) from 1976 to 1980.
His academic leadership culminated in his appointment as the ninth president of Brigham Young University in 1980, succeeding Dallin H. Oaks. During his tenure, he championed academic excellence, faculty development, and launched significant fundraising initiatives. One of his most enduring legacies was overseeing the founding of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies.
Personal Life, Health Struggles, and Enduring Legacy
Jeffrey R. Holland was married to Patricia Terry Holland for 60 years until her death in 2023. The couple had three children, who have also achieved significant prominence: Matthew S. Holland, a former university president and LDS general authority; and David F. Holland, a professor and interim dean at Harvard Divinity School.
In his final years, Elder Holland faced serious health challenges. He battled kidney disease, which required dialysis, and also suffered complications from COVID-19. These struggles led him to temporarily step back from his church duties in April 2023. The church announced his hospitalization on December 24, 2025, just days before his passing.
The death of Jeffrey R. Holland marks the end of an era for the global LDS community. He is remembered as a powerful orator, a compassionate leader, and an intellectual force who dedicated his life to his faith, his family, and the cause of education. His teachings and example continue to resonate with millions worldwide.
