It’s been a challenging few weeks for the Holland family. After the passing of Patricia Holland on July 20,2023 the family held a funeral on Friday, July 28th.
“This is the 60th year of my marriage to the greatest woman I have ever known,” wrote Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. “I am heartbroken. … This loss of Pat so unexpectedly has been devastating. I feel the sustaining power of your prayers and am grateful.”
Elder Holland was not able to stand and share remarks at the funeral.
Today, the Church released a statement on the Church’s Newsroom:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today about the health of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is currently hospitalized for observation and treatment of ongoing health complications. Elder Holland is grateful for the many prayers offered in his behalf in recent weeks for his health and during this time of mourning. He sincerely appreciates the well-wishes and kindnesses shown by friends and members of the Church who know and care for him and his family.
Elder Holland had recently been away from his regular duties in the quorum of the twelve due to some serious health challenges.
“Your sweet gestures during this demanding time have reminded us that God watches over us, that we can always trust in Him, and that He very often answers our prayers through other people,” Elder Holland wrote.
“On days when we feel we have been pushed to our limit, we are reminded that we won’t be pushed beyond our faith,” he said. “We won’t discover just how much strength we do have until it is tested, refined and tested again.”
A Church statement on April 6 stated that Elder Holland has a kidney condition and is undergoing dialysis. He missed all sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ April 2023 general conference due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
We wish Elder Holland the best. We know that his heart is aching and his body has been through a lot in recent months. Please pray for him and his family.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Church Website Bio
Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 23, 1994.
Personal Life
Jeffrey R. Holland was born December 3, 1940, to Frank D. and Alice Bentley Holland. In 1963, he married Patricia Terry. They are the parents of Matthew, Mary Alice, and David, the parents-in-law of Paige, Lee, and Jeanne, and the grandparents of 13 beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A student leader and varsity athlete at Dixie High School and Dixie College in his native St. George, Utah, he received his bachelor and master degrees in English and religious education, respectively, from Brigham Young University. He obtained master and doctor of philosophy degrees in American Studies from Yale University.
Professional Life
At the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on April 1, 1989. From 1980 until his call as a General Authority in 1989, Jeffrey R. Holland served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is a former Church commissioner of education and dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU.
Elder Holland was active in professional educational activity prior to his call to full-time Church service. He served as president of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAPICU), on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Presidents Commission. For his work in improving understanding between Christians and Jews he was awarded the “Torch of Liberty” award by the Anti-Defamation League of B’Nai B’rith.
He has served on the governing boards of a number of civic and business related corporations and has received the “Distinguished Eagle Scout” award from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the author of eight books, one of which he co-authored with his wife, Patricia.
Gail Byrd
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
God Love you all
Rick Giampapa
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
I Love All my Church leaders and All that they do!
Raphaela Lukagfnay
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
Elder Holland, you are a great example of the Savior Jesus Christ and our loving Heavenly Father, and a Priesthood leadership. Your General Conference talks and testimonies have touched and changed my life as well as my son's. Your love and testimonies of the Lord will be echoed for decades after decades for those who are willing to change their lives to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ. You were that hand the Lord uses countless times for whatever miracles He needs to set in someone else's life. You and your family are in our prayers and we will continue to pray for you and your family. Our most Sincere Condolences for the loss of your lovely and beautiful wife Patricia. Your talk of April 2022 has stuck with me. I never liked wearing any type of Jewelry with a cross on it until you clarify that well in your talk. During General Conference, we always look forward to hearing your talks. It was different from the last conference when your talks were missed. My family and I hope and pray for the best health care your doctors and nurses can provide for you at this time. We know that the Lord is watching over you as well as your wife. We love you!
The Lukagfinay's Family