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Church Leader Jeffrey R. Holland Dies at 85

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jeffrey R. Holland died December 27, 2025, at age 85 from kidney disease complications.
Death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
He was next in line to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a controversial 2021 speech against same-sex marriage.
He led Brigham Young University as president from 1980 to 1989.
He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

History

Historical Context

Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on January 27, 2008, after leading the church to over 13 million members. His presidency, marked by the construction of 124 temples and the issuance of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in 1995, left a conservative legacy that continues to influence church leaders like Jeffrey R. Holland.

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Story summary

Jeffrey R. Holland died December 27, 2025, at age 85 from kidney disease complications.
Death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
He was next in line to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a controversial 2021 speech against same-sex marriage.
He led Brigham Young University as president from 1980 to 1989.
He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

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