Russell M Nelson died peacefully Saturday night at his Salt Lake City home, ending the remarkable life of the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The former heart surgeon passed away at age 101, making him the oldest church president in history who led the faith through unprecedented global changes.
Key Highlights:
- Nelson died around 10 PM MDT on September 27, 2025, with his wife Wendy Nelson present
- At 101 years old, he was the oldest president ever to lead the 17.5-million-member church
- President Dallin H. Oaks is expected to succeed as the next church leader
- His seven-year presidency brought sweeping reforms and policy changes
- He announced 200 new temples worldwide and visited 32 countries during his tenure
- The former cardiac surgeon pioneered open-heart surgery in Utah before his church calling
Table of Contents
LDS President Nelson’s Final Years
President Nelson died surrounded by family members and church leadership after reaching the historic milestone of becoming the first LDS president to turn 100 years old in 2024. His counselors in the First Presidency, Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, visited him in his final days alongside his children and spouses.
Church officials announced Nelson’s passing late Saturday evening, confirming he died peacefully at his residence without specifying the cause. The longtime Salt Lake City resident had maintained an active leadership schedule well into his 100s.
Historic Church Leadership Tenure
When Russell M Nelson died, he concluded over seven transformative years as church president since January 2018. The former apostle, called in 1984, became the senior church leader at age 93 following President Thomas S. Monson’s death.
His presidency marked unprecedented global outreach, with Nelson visiting 32 countries and announcing 200 new temples worldwide. The church leader implemented major policy changes including shortening Sunday services from three hours to two and allowing missionaries weekly phone calls home.
Revolutionary Church Policy Changes
President Nelson’s administration brought sweeping reforms to Latter-day Saint practices and policies. In 2018, he urged members to discontinue using “Mormon” and “LDS” abbreviations, insisting on the full church name.
The church leader also reversed controversial 2015 policies affecting same-sex couples and their children, drawing praise for his more inclusive approach. However, the church maintained its opposition to same-sex marriage while implementing Nelson’s vision for modernized worship.
Medical Career Before Church Service
Before Russell M Nelson died as a church leader, he achieved prominence as a pioneering cardiac surgeon who helped develop heart-lung machines in 1951. At age 31, Nelson performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery, establishing his medical reputation decades before his apostolic calling.
The surgeon-turned-prophet left his medical practice at 59 when called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. His scientific background influenced his methodical approach to church administration and global expansion efforts.
Succession Planning and Leadership Transition
Following Nelson’s death, the First Presidency will dissolve, with counselors Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring rejoining the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. President Oaks, the most senior apostle by calling date, is expected to become the 18th church president.
The succession process follows established church protocol where seniority by apostolic calling, not age, determines leadership succession. Church members worldwide await official announcement of the new First Presidency formation.
Global Impact and Legacy Assessment
President Nelson’s death concludes a presidency remembered for building bridges across religious and racial divides, including partnerships with the NAACP. His administration expanded temple construction globally while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on worship services.
Senator Mike Lee praised Nelson’s leadership, describing him as exemplifying “the best of faith, hope and confidence” throughout his remarkable century of life. The church leader’s emphasis on international growth positioned the faith for continued global expansion.
Conclusion
Russell M Nelson died after transforming The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through dynamic leadership that spanned seven pivotal years. His passing at 101 years old closes a remarkable chapter of church history while positioning the 17.5-million-member faith for continued growth under new leadership.
November 20, 2025