Summary (tl;dr)

Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died at the age of 85 due to complications from kidney disease, prompting widespread attention among members and the public.

Essential Background

Jeffrey R. Holland served as an Apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since June 1994, and was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from October 14, 2025, until his death. Prior to this, he was set apart as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on November 15, 2023, following the death of M. Russell Ballard. He also served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989. Holland had faced recurring health issues in recent years, including battling COVID-19 and undergoing dialysis for a kidney condition in April 2023, which led to a two-month hiatus from church assignments. His wife, Patricia Terry Holland, passed away in July 2023.

The Full Story

Jeffrey R. Holland passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m. MST, at the age of 85, from complications associated with kidney disease. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on December 24, 2025, that he had been hospitalized due to "ongoing health complications" and was receiving expert care and was with loved ones during the Christmas holiday. His death leaves a significant vacancy in the Church's leadership, as he was the second most senior apostle at the time of his passing and was next in line to become the faith's president under the church's succession plan.

Why It Matters

The passing of Jeffrey R. Holland is a significant event for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he was a highly influential and beloved leader. His role as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made him a prominent figure in setting church policy and overseeing its global operations. His death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which will be filled by the Church President, Dallin H. Oaks, in the coming months. His sermons and teachings, particularly his passionate defenses of church doctrine, resonated widely with members, making his loss a moment of collective mourning and reflection for the faith's global community.

Geographic Location

• Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (passing of Jeffrey R. Holland and headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)