SALT LAKE CITY — Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior official of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, next in line to become president of the faith, died. He was 85.
Holland died early Saturday from complications related to kidney disease, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said on its website.
Holland, who died in Salt Lake City, headed a governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which helps set church policy while overseeing the many business interests of what is widely known as the Mormon church.
He was the next longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve, after the President. Dallin H. Oaksmaking him next in line to lead the church under a long-established succession plan.
Henry B. Eyring, who is 92 and one of Oakes' two top advisers, is now next in line to become president.
Holland was hospitalized over the Christmas holiday for treatment due to ongoing health complications, the church said. Religious experts pointed to his deteriorating health in October when Oakes did not select Holland as his adviser. That month, he attended several church events in a wheelchair.
His death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which Oakes will fill in the coming months, likely by calling a new apostle from a lower-level governing body. Apostles are all men according to the male priesthood of the church.
Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and worked for many years in the education department before being called to join the ranks of church leaders. From 1980 to 1989, he served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University, Utah's leading faith school, and also served as commissioner of the church's global education system.
Under his leadership, Provo University worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. Holland was later awarded the Torch of Freedom Award by the Anti-Defamation League for promoting greater understanding between the Christian and Jewish communities.
Holland is widely known for his 2021 speech in which he urged church members to take up metaphorical muskets in defense of the faith's teachings against same-sex marriage. The speech, known colloquially as the “musket fire speech,” has become required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, sparking concern among students and LGBTQ+ advocates.
Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
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This story has been corrected to show that Holland was predeceased by his wife.
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Associated Press writer Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed.
