President Russell M. Nelson: Life, Legacy, and Leadership of the 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President Russell Marion Nelson, the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), died peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 101. Known both as a world-renowned heart surgeon and a transformative religious leader, President Nelson’s life spanned more than a century of scientific discovery, global upheaval, and profound faith. His passing marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the worldwide faith of over 17 million members.

While the Church confirmed his death, it did not disclose a specific medical cause. At his advanced age, President Nelson had continued to teach and guide until the very last months of his life. He remained active in his prophetic ministry, speaking publicly at general conference and dedicating temples well into his 101st year.

This in-depth biography traces President Nelson’s journey from a curious young boy in Salt Lake City to an acclaimed heart surgeon and ultimately a beloved global spiritual leader who reshaped the modern LDS Church.

Early Life and Education

Russell Marion Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Marion Clavar Nelson and Edna Anderson Nelson. He was the second of four children in a family that was not particularly active in the Church at the time. Despite this, young Russell showed a keen spiritual curiosity from an early age. Family members have shared stories of his natural drive to learn and his love for understanding how things work.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Nelson was part of a generation that learned resilience through economic hardship. He attended Roosevelt Junior High and later East High School in Salt Lake City, where his aptitude for science and music became apparent. A boy of wide-ranging interests, Nelson learned piano and organ — skills he later used throughout his church service. He was also deeply curious about medicine and the mechanics of the human body.

At age 16, Russell was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a decision he made largely on his own. His parents supported his spiritual interest even though they were not active members. This decision would shape the rest of his life, intertwining his scientific achievements with deep personal faith.

After high school, Nelson attended the University of Utah. His academic brilliance soon stood out. He entered medical school and, in 1947, graduated as valedictorian of his class at only 22 years old — an extraordinary feat that reflected both his intelligence and relentless dedication.

A Groundbreaking Career in Medicine

Before becoming a global religious leader, Russell M. Nelson built a distinguished medical career that left a lasting mark on the field of cardiac surgery. His early research coincided with an era when open-heart surgery was considered impossible. Surgeons were taught never to touch the human heart, as its delicate structures and constant motion made direct intervention fatal.

Nelson joined a small team of pioneering physicians who defied that conventional wisdom. Together, they developed and refined the artificial heart-lung machine — a device that could temporarily take over a patient’s circulation and oxygenation, making complex heart surgeries possible. This innovation revolutionized medicine and saved countless lives around the world.

In November 1955, at just 31 years old, Dr. Nelson performed Utah’s first successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine. Over his surgical career, he completed more than 7,000 operations and trained generations of heart surgeons. Colleagues described him as brilliant, meticulous, and compassionate toward his patients. He wrote extensively in medical journals, advancing the knowledge base of cardiovascular surgery. Many modern heart surgeons trained under his supervision and carried forward his techniques.

Despite his global medical reputation, Dr. Nelson was known for humility. He once said that competition in the field was not with other doctors but with “disease, death, and ignorance.” His achievements in medicine alone could have defined a lifetime — but Nelson felt a higher spiritual calling awaited him.

Family Life and Personal Values

In 1945, Russell M. Nelson married Dantzel White, a gifted musician, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a close-knit family of ten children — nine daughters and one son. Family members recall a father who was deeply involved despite his demanding career. When he was at work, he was fully present with his patients; when at home, he was fully present with his children.

He taught his kids to ski, ride bicycles, and love music. The home was filled with laughter, piano practice, and gospel-centered conversations. Dantzel’s dedication to family life allowed Nelson to thrive professionally and spiritually. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years until Dantzel’s unexpected death in 2005. The loss was devastating for him and the family.

In 2006, Nelson married Wendy L. Watson, a Canadian-born marriage and family therapist and former university professor. Sister Wendy Nelson became an active support in his Church responsibilities. Family members noted how her companionship brought renewed joy and vitality to President Nelson after Dantzel’s passing.

Throughout his life, Nelson balanced ambition with deep affection. Former colleagues and Church leaders recalled that his love and kindness were as profound as his intellect. Elder M. Russell Ballard once shared how Dr. Nelson personally oversaw his heart surgery in 1995, standing beside the operating surgeon the entire time to ensure his friend’s safety.

Call to Church Leadership

Though medicine was his life’s work, Russell M. Nelson’s faith was never secondary. He served in numerous Church callings, including bishop and regional representative. His professional success and spiritual devotion caught the attention of senior leaders.

On April 7, 1984, Nelson was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — the Church’s second-highest governing body. The call came unexpectedly while he was at the peak of his surgical career. He later recalled that he did not hesitate to accept. “When the Lord speaks through His prophet, my mind puts an exclamation point behind it, not a question mark,” he said.

For 34 years as an Apostle, Nelson traveled the globe, strengthened local congregations, and taught faith in Jesus Christ. Known for his warmth and perfect musical pitch, he often addressed congregations in their native languages. He published inspiring talks on family, faith, and the divinity of Jesus Christ. His scientific mind and compassionate heart earned him admiration among both Church members and world leaders.

Becoming the 17th President of the Church

On January 14, 2018, at age 93, Russell M. Nelson was set apart as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. His advanced age did not slow him. From the start, he led with surprising vigor and a willingness to make bold changes.

During nearly eight years as Church President, Nelson introduced sweeping reforms while maintaining doctrinal stability. His administration focused on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, simplifying programs, and modernizing the Church’s global reach. Under his leadership:

• Home and visiting teaching were replaced with the more personalized “ministering” program.
• The Sunday meeting schedule was reduced from three hours to two, encouraging home-centered gospel study.
• He emphasized using the full name of the Church, discouraging the term “Mormon.”
• Policies regarding baptism and temple blessings for children of LGBTQ parents were adjusted to be more inclusive.
• The term “tithing settlement” became “tithing declaration,” modernizing language for financial accountability.
• Women were invited to serve as official witnesses in temple sealings and baptisms.

President Nelson also guided the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging technology for virtual worship and encouraging gratitude as a spiritual antidote to fear and isolation. In a 2020 video viewed by millions, he invited members to flood social media with messages of thankfulness, calling gratitude “a healing remedy.”

Temple Builder and Global Visionary

Perhaps President Nelson’s most defining legacy is his focus on temple building. During his tenure, he announced 185 new temples — more than half of the Church’s total of 367 temples dedicated, under construction, or planned by the time of his death. This aggressive expansion brought sacred spaces closer to members in far-reaching regions of Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe.

He called the Rome Italy Temple a “hinge point” in Church history and envisioned an unprecedented future of spiritual growth. He often told members to build “personal spiritual foundations” strong enough to withstand life’s storms. His frequent phrase, “unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures,” became a hallmark of his ministry.

In his final public act before his passing, President Nelson dedicated the Deseret Peak Utah Temple — the Church’s 200th temple — in November 2024. Standing before thousands of worshipers, he testified of the Lord’s power available in temples and promised joy to those who live God’s higher law.

Global Outreach and Social Bridge-Building

President Nelson was also a bridge-builder in society. He met with kings, presidents, and prime ministers around the world, promoting understanding and goodwill. One of his most notable outreach efforts was forging a historic partnership with the NAACP in 2021 to promote racial understanding and provide humanitarian aid, scholarships, and cultural exchange opportunities.

He visited 35 nations during his presidency, personally addressing hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints in their own languages. He comforted victims of tragedy, met with community leaders, and reached out to youth with warmth and love. He was known to pull children close, clasp hands with the elderly, and speak with authenticity to people of all walks of life.

Faith, Gratitude, and Personal Spirituality

President Nelson’s spiritual teachings focused on following Jesus Christ with full commitment. He invited members repeatedly to “let God prevail” in their lives, make covenants in temples, and find joy through gratitude. His October 2024 General Conference address, delivered just weeks after his 100th birthday, centered on offering one’s entire soul to Jesus Christ — a message seen as his parting counsel to the Church.

He often combined scientific reasoning with faith-filled conviction. In interviews, he spoke of feeling guided by divine inspiration not only in Church leadership but also in medical innovation. This blending of intellect and spirituality inspired millions who saw him as proof that deep faith and rigorous scholarship can coexist.

Character and Compassion

Those closest to President Nelson often described him as gentle, humble, and loving. Despite his stature as both a pioneering surgeon and a global faith leader, he lived without arrogance. Many Church members shared personal stories of his kindness — quietly helping someone in need, encouraging struggling families, or giving personal blessings filled with hope.

One enduring story involves Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, who nearly collapsed while speaking in general conference in 2007. President Nelson quickly stepped to his side, supporting him physically so he could finish his talk without public embarrassment. Such moments showed his instinctive compassion and quiet heroism.

Final Years and Passing

President Nelson celebrated his 101st birthday on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his wife Wendy, eight of his ten children, and many grandchildren. Even at that age, he continued to lead with remarkable mental clarity and spiritual strength, though he reduced travel in his final year.

In late September 2025, the Church announced his peaceful passing at home, with Sister Wendy Nelson and family members by his side. His counselors in the First Presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, visited in his last days to express love and gratitude.

Although the Church has not released a specific cause of death, it is widely understood that President Nelson passed naturally at his advanced age. His life had been marked by health and vitality, fitting for a man who dedicated his early career to saving hearts.

Legacy and Succession

President Nelson leaves behind a profoundly changed Church. Under his leadership, the LDS Church became more global, accessible, and temple-centered while staying rooted in core doctrine. His blend of innovation and reverence helped the faith navigate the complexities of a fast-changing world.

In accordance with established protocol, leadership now transitions to the senior apostle. President Dallin H. Oaks, who served as Nelson’s first counselor, is expected to become the next Church President following meetings of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The seamless succession system ensures stability during times of mourning.

Millions of Latter-day Saints worldwide now reflect on the teachings, love, and prophetic counsel President Nelson gave during his long life. His message of faith, gratitude, and joy remains a guiding light for the Church he served so fully.

President Russell M. Nelson’s life defied easy categorization: brilliant surgeon, loving father, devoted disciple, and visionary prophet. From pioneering life-saving heart surgery to guiding millions of believers, he demonstrated both intellectual brilliance and gentle humility. His passing at 101 ends a century-spanning story of service and faith, but his influence on medicine, religion, and countless personal lives will endure for generations.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was President Russell M. Nelson’s cause of death?

The Church has not announced a specific cause of death. He died peacefully at age 101 on September 27, 2025.

Q2: Who succeeds President Nelson?

By seniority, President Dallin H. Oaks, his longtime counselor, is expected to become the next Church President.

Q3: How long did President Nelson serve as prophet?

He served nearly eight years, from January 14, 2018, until his passing on September 27, 2025.

Q4: What was President Nelson’s medical achievement?

He helped develop the heart-lung machine and performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery in 1955.

Q5: How many temples did he announce?

President Nelson announced 185 new temples during his tenure, more than half of the Church’s total worldwide.

References

Reuters. (2025). “Russell M. Nelson, president of the Mormon church, dies at 101.” September 28, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). “Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 101.” September 28, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Mormon leader Russell M. Nelson dies at 101.” September 28, 2025.

Deseret News. (2025). “President Russell M. Nelson dies at 101 after a lifetime of service.” September 28, 2025.