Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent leader within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on December 27 at the age of 85 due to complications from kidney disease, as confirmed by the church. Holland was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which acts as the church’s governing body. He was well-regarded for his significant contributions to the church’s educational endeavors and became a notable figure during his tenure as president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989.
Born in St. George, Utah, in 1940, Holland fondly recalled his idyllic upbringing, stating that trouble was hard to come by in his small town, where his mother was always aware of his whereabouts. After serving as a missionary in England in his youth, he pursued higher education, earning both master’s and doctorate degrees in American studies from Yale University. He later took on leadership roles within the Church Educational System, culminating in his appointment to the Twelve Apostles in 1994.
Holland gained national attention in 2021 for a speech in which he urged faculty and staff at Brigham Young University to defend “marriage as the union of a man and a woman,” inciting protests both within the church community and beyond. Despite the mixed reactions to his remarks, the university maintained support for his stance, later designating the speech as required reading for its students. In a reflective podcast from the previous year, Holland expressed regret for any hurt his words may have caused, emphasizing his deep compassion for those affected.
Holland is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. His legacy, marked by a commitment to education and the principles of his faith, will be remembered by many within the church community and beyond.