SALT LAKE CITY — Jeffrey Roy Holland, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 85. He died early Saturday morning at approximately 3:15 a.m. due to complications from kidney disease, surrounded by his family. Holland had been hospitalized right before Christmas due to health complications.
Having served as an apostle since June 1994, President Holland was a prominent figure in the church. Prior to his apostleship, he was a member of the church’s First Quorum of the Seventy, a body designated to oversee various areas of church responsibilities, starting in April 1989. His leadership extended beyond ecclesiastical duties; he spent nearly a decade as the president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989 and held significant roles within the Church Educational System and as dean of BYU’s Religious Education.
During his presidency at BYU, Holland was instrumental in establishing the church-owned BYU Jerusalem Center, which opened in 1988. His contributions to education also garnered him various accolades, including the Torch of Liberty award from the Anti-Defamation League for fostering understanding between Christians and Jews, and the Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Born on December 3, 1940, in St. George, Holland was a standout athlete and student leader at Dixie High School. Although he initially aspired to become a doctor, his mission experience in England influenced his decision to pursue a career in education, describing his mission as a transformative spiritual journey.
After his mission, Holland attended Dixie College and went on to BYU, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later obtained advanced degrees in American Studies from Yale University. In recognition of his contributions, Dixie State University dedicated the Holland Centennial Commons, a digital learning center, in his honor.
Married in 1963 to Patricia Terry, President Holland experienced the heartache of loss when his wife passed away in July 2023. Together, they raised three children: Matthew, Mary, and David. Holland was characterized by many as possessing a unique blend of humor, warmth, and spirituality. The late President James E. Faust commended him for his natural ability to connect with people, making them feel valued.
Holland’s influence extended beyond the church; in 2015, he made history as the first Latter-day Saint leader to address the British Parliament, advocating for humanitarian efforts. He was also involved in significant church milestones, such as creating the 3,000th stake in the church’s history in Sierra Leone in 2012.
Throughout his ministry, he emphasized the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, particularly the significance of the Book of Mormon as a spiritual cornerstone. In his teachings, Holland highlighted love, empathy, and sacrifice as essential elements of following Christ.
In recent years, he faced multiple health challenges, including ongoing kidney issues, which required him to miss certain church meetings. Despite these struggles, he remained a deeply spiritual leader who shared profound insights into his faith and the impact of the Book of Mormon on his life.
As the church prepares for his funeral arrangements, the legacy of President Jeffrey R. Holland will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the lives of those he touched through his teachings, service, and unwavering faith. His contributions to education, humanitarian work, and the church will be remembered and cherished by many.