Jeffrey R Holland, a towering figure in modern Latter-day Saint leadership, passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85, closing a chapter that shaped the spiritual direction of millions of believers for more than four decades. His death followed prolonged health challenges and marked a moment of deep reflection across The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly in the United States, where his influence was most widely felt.
For generations of church members, Holland represented consistency, compassion, and conviction. His sermons reached far beyond pulpits, offering reassurance during personal hardship and clarity during moments of doubt. His passing signaled not only the loss of a senior leader but the conclusion of an era defined by steady guidance and heartfelt teaching.
Early Life Shaped by Faith and Community
Born on December 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, Holland was raised in a community where faith was woven into daily life. Southern Utah’s strong religious culture played a defining role in shaping his values and worldview.
As a young man, he demonstrated intellectual curiosity and emotional sensitivity. Teachers recognized his ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully. Friends often described him as reflective, sincere, and deeply principled.
These early qualities became cornerstones of his later ministry.
Formative Years of Education
Holland’s commitment to learning guided his academic pursuits. He enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he completed undergraduate and graduate studies with distinction. His focus on literature and religion allowed him to explore faith through both scholarly and spiritual lenses.
Later, his advanced studies at Yale University broadened his intellectual perspective. Exposure to diverse academic environments strengthened his ability to engage with complex ideas while remaining firmly rooted in religious conviction.
Education, for Holland, was never separate from faith. It was a means of strengthening belief through understanding.
Marriage and the Central Role of Family
In 1963, Holland married Patricia Terry. Their partnership became one of the most enduring aspects of his life. Together, they raised three children and built a home centered on devotion, learning, and service.
Patricia Holland became widely respected for her advocacy and leadership within the church. Her influence complemented Holland’s public ministry, and the two were often regarded as a united example of faith-centered living.
Her passing in 2023 marked a deeply personal loss. In the years that followed, Holland spoke less publicly but carried her memory closely, supported by family and longtime colleagues.
Leadership at Brigham Young University
In 1980, Holland assumed the presidency of Brigham Young University, one of the most visible academic institutions affiliated with the LDS Church. His leadership came during a period of growth and increased national attention.
During his tenure:
- Academic rigor was strengthened
- Student development programs expanded
- Moral accountability remained a central focus
Holland believed universities should educate the whole person. He encouraged intellectual discipline while emphasizing ethical responsibility and spiritual growth.
Many former students later credited his leadership with shaping their professional and personal lives.
Transition Into Apostolic Service
In June 1994, Holland was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This role marked a major turning point, shifting his focus from education to global religious leadership.
As an apostle, his responsibilities extended across continents. He traveled extensively, meeting with congregations, counseling leaders, and delivering doctrinal instruction.
His voice soon became familiar to millions through major church addresses. His messages carried both authority and warmth, setting him apart as a deeply relatable leader.
A Teaching Style That Reached the Heart
Holland’s sermons became known for emotional depth and spiritual urgency. He spoke candidly about suffering, doubt, and endurance, offering reassurance without minimizing hardship.
Common themes in his teaching included:
- Hope during prolonged trials
- Personal worth and divine love
- Faith as an active commitment
- The sustaining power of Christ
Many listeners described feeling personally understood by his words, even in large congregations.
A Reputation for Pastoral Care
Beyond public addresses, Holland earned respect for his personal interactions. Those who met with him privately often described a leader who listened intently and responded with empathy.
He believed leadership required emotional presence, not distance. That philosophy shaped his approach to counseling and decision-making.
For many members, he represented a compassionate shepherd rather than a distant authority.
Health Challenges in Later Years
In his later years, Holland faced persistent medical issues related to kidney disease. These challenges gradually reduced his ability to travel and speak publicly.
Despite physical limitations, he remained engaged in leadership responsibilities when possible. His willingness to serve through illness inspired admiration among members and colleagues alike.
Throughout 2025, concern for his health grew as public appearances became increasingly rare.
Presidency of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Following leadership changes in 2025, Holland was set apart as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October. This position placed him directly beneath the President of the Church in seniority.
Although his tenure lasted only weeks, it represented the culmination of decades of faithful service. His appointment reflected institutional trust and deep respect.
Even in declining health, his presence offered continuity during a time of transition.
Final Hospitalization and Passing
Shortly before Christmas 2025, Holland was hospitalized as his condition worsened. Church members across the United States followed updates closely, offering prayers and expressions of support.
On December 27, 2025, he passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, surrounded by family. He was 85 years old.
The announcement of his death prompted immediate reflection across congregations nationwide.
Reaction Across the LDS Community
Church members responded with an outpouring of remembrance. Many shared stories of sermons that sustained them during illness, grief, or personal struggle.
Leaders emphasized his lifelong devotion and steady guidance. Members highlighted his kindness, humility, and unwavering faith.
Few figures had shaped such a broad emotional connection across generations.
Leadership Adjustments After His Death
Following Holland’s passing, the church began formal leadership realignment. These adjustments follow established procedures designed to ensure continuity and unity.
Attention also turned toward preserving his teachings and making them accessible to future generations.
His influence remains deeply embedded within the church’s spiritual culture.
Continuing Impact Through Teachings
Holland’s sermons, writings, and recorded messages continue to circulate widely. His emphasis on perseverance and hope remains especially relevant.
New generations continue to encounter his teachings through study and reflection.
His voice, though now silent, continues to guide.
Why His Legacy Endures
Jeffrey R Holland’s life demonstrates the power of leadership rooted in empathy and conviction. He led during times of certainty and uncertainty alike, offering steady direction when members faced personal struggles and larger societal shifts. In the wake of his passing, church congregations across the United States have held special services and moments of remembrance, underscoring how deeply his influence has taken hold in everyday lives.
His approach reshaped expectations of religious leadership, emphasizing understanding over authority and compassion over hierarchy. In the weeks following his death, speakers at local gatherings frequently referenced his emphasis on hope, perseverance, and Christ-centered living, showing how his teachings continue to guide spiritual conversations.
That influence will continue long after his passing, as future church leaders draw on his example and members return to his messages for comfort, direction, and reaffirmation of faith. The ongoing sharing of his teachings — both in formal settings and personal testimony — keeps his voice alive in the community’s collective memory.
A Life Remembered
Holland’s story is not defined solely by titles or positions. It is defined by connection, reassurance, and steadfast faith that resonated deeply with individuals across generations and across the United States. His influence extended beyond official leadership roles and institutional authority because he spoke directly to the concerns of everyday believers. During his final months, as news of his health circulated among congregations, church members across the country held personal and collective moments of prayer, testimony meetings, and quiet reflection, highlighting the profound emotional connection many felt with his teaching.
From classrooms to conference halls, his impact remains unmistakable. In academic settings, alumni recount how his leadership at Brigham Young University shaped not only their professional paths but their moral outlooks. In worship settings, members recall how his sermons offered comfort during illness, job loss, or family challenges. Even in the period following his hospitalization and passing, thousands shared stories of how his words helped them navigate grief, find hope, and strengthen personal faith. His legacy continues to be celebrated in church meetings, social media tributes, and community conversations, affirming that his life’s influence persists well beyond his physical presence.
Looking Forward While Honoring the Past
As the church moves forward, Holland’s legacy serves as a guiding reference point. His life stands as a reminder that leadership is most effective when grounded in compassion.
His example continues to inspire reflection and conversation.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections on the life of Jeffrey R Holland as his influence continues to shape faith and leadership.