President Jeffrey R. Holland, a towering figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a beloved educator, died early Saturday morning, December 27, 2025, at the age of 85. According to church officials, President Holland passed away at approximately 3:15 a.m. MST, surrounded by his family, after being hospitalized for complications associated with kidney disease. His death, announced just days after his recent hospitalization on Christmas Eve, marks the end of an era for many Latter-day Saints and admirers worldwide.
Born on December 3, 1940, in St. George, Utah, to Frank D. and Alice Bentley Holland, Jeffrey Roy Holland grew up in a close-knit community where, as he once quipped, "I couldn’t have gotten in trouble in that town if I’d wanted to. My mother would have known before I ever got home." His boyhood was filled with sports—football, baseball, basketball, and track—culminating in state championships with Dixie High School’s teams. Yet, even in those early years, it was clear to those who knew him that Holland’s talents extended far beyond the playing field.
After high school, Holland attended Brigham Young University (BYU), earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees before pursuing further studies at Yale University, where he received both a master’s and a doctorate in American studies. But it was his mission to England at age 19 that he would later describe as "the turning point in my life," a period that solidified his faith and set the trajectory for his lifelong dedication to teaching and service.
Holland’s passion for education and his remarkable teaching ability became hallmarks of his career. He served as dean of BYU’s College of Religious Education from 1974 to 1976, Commissioner of the Church Educational System (CES) from 1976 to 1980, and president of BYU from 1980 to 1989. During his tenure as BYU president, Holland led a $100,000,000 fundraising campaign and helped the university celebrate the football team’s 1984 national championship. He also navigated challenging moments, such as protests surrounding the construction of the BYU Jerusalem Center, ultimately earning respect for his diplomacy and vision.
Holland’s influence reached far beyond the university. He served as president of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, sat on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and was a member of the NCAA President’s Commission. For his efforts in fostering understanding between Christians and Jews, he received the "Torch of Liberty" award from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith.
In 1989, Holland was called as a General Authority Seventy, and on June 23, 1994, he was appointed an Apostle—a lifelong calling in the church. Speaking at a press conference on the day of his call, Holland expressed the weight of the moment: "The last few hours have been nearly unbearable. ... My chief responsibility now, and my primary responsibility—in a sense, my total responsibility—is to bear witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. As inadequate as I feel, it is the most pleasant and most rewarding and most thrilling assignment a man can have in this world. I pledge my life to this effort."
His wife, Patricia Terry Holland, was a constant source of support. The two had met in high school, married on June 7, 1963, and together raised three children—Matthew, Mary Alice, and David. Patricia, an accomplished vocalist, author, and speaker, passed away on July 20, 2023, from complications related to COVID-19 and other respiratory issues. President Holland often credited Patricia for her unwavering focus on family, especially during the busy years at BYU. "I give Pat all the credit on the home front," he said, marveling at her ability to "march off the end of any diving board for me, for the Church, for the Lord, for her kids."
Holland’s approach to parenting was, in his words, "homegrown and fundamental." His son Matthew fondly recalled, "Every night was a kind of family home evening filled with laughter, compliments, encouragement, interesting conversation, testimony, teaching and expressions of love. You always knew Dad was happiest when he was at home with his family."
Known for his eloquence, empathy, and spiritual depth, Holland’s sermons resonated with millions. He offered light during the dark uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, spoke openly about mental health challenges, and reminded listeners of the peace found in faith. In January 2023, addressing young adults worldwide, he quoted the Book of Mormon, urging, "Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. ... That brightness of hope, born of love for God and all men—that’s what we want for every one of you in the new year."
His missionary companion from the early 1960s, Elder Quentin L. Cook, remembered Holland’s unique gifts: "I have loved President Holland since those early days [as a young missionary]. He was extremely good then, and there [was] nobody better in the Church at teaching." President James E. Faust once observed, "He has the marvelous capacity to make people feel that they are his very best friends."
Holland’s service took him around the globe, including a two-year assignment directing church affairs in Chile from 2002 to 2004. He became Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in November 2023 and was appointed president of the Quorum earlier in 2025. His leadership extended to diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, such as collaborating with Baroness Emma Nicholson at Windsor Castle to aid refugees, and he became the first Latter-day Saint Apostle to speak in the House of Parliament.
Throughout his ministry, Holland emphasized hope, resilience, and the importance of turning to faith in times of trial. "Life will challenge you. Difficulties will come. Heartbreaks will strike," he wrote to followers at the onset of the pandemic. "So, wherever you are going, make your way to Christ first. Make your covenants with Him and keep them as you journey on."
President Holland’s legacy as a teacher, leader, and friend is reflected in the lives of those he touched—his three children, 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and countless students and church members worldwide. His favorite scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 81:5, encapsulated his life’s mission: "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."
Though his classroom has now expanded beyond this life, President Jeffrey R. Holland’s influence endures—in every lesson, every act of kindness, and every life uplifted by his unwavering hope and faith.
