President Russell Marion Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His life was one of service, blending two remarkable callings: a world-renowned heart surgeon and a global spiritual leader.
Across his century-long life, Nelson witnessed world wars, scientific revolutions, and societal transformations. Yet through it all, he maintained his commitment to faith, family, and humanitarian service. His story is not only about leadership within the LDS Church but also about resilience, progress, and a legacy that continues to inspire millions.
👶 Early Life and Childhood
- Birthdate: September 9, 1924
- Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA 🇺🇸
- Parents: Marion Clavar Nelson and Floss Agnes Nelson
Growing up during the Great Depression, young Russell learned the value of discipline, education, and hard work. Despite financial challenges, he excelled academically and developed a passion for learning.
🎶 Fun Fact: Nelson loved music. He played the piano and often used hymns as a way to uplift others throughout his life.
🎓 Academic Journey
President Nelson’s education laid the foundation for his medical brilliance.
| 🎓 Education Level | 📍 Institution | 🏆 Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s & MD | University of Utah | Graduated in 1947 |
| Surgical Training | University of Minnesota | Developed skills in thoracic & cardiovascular surgery |
| Ph.D. | University of Minnesota | Medical research in heart surgery |
📖 By the age of 33, Nelson had already earned both an MD and Ph.D., showing his extraordinary dedication to medicine.
🫀 Medical Career: Healing Hearts Physically
Russell M. Nelson became one of the pioneers of open-heart surgery. His contributions to medicine were groundbreaking.
Major Achievements:
- Heart-Lung Machine Development – Helped design a machine that made open-heart surgery possible.
- First Open-Heart Surgery in Utah – Performed with remarkable success, saving lives.
- International Medical Work – Traveled to China and other nations to perform surgeries and train local doctors.
- Academic Influence – Served as a professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
- Medical Leadership – Became president of the Society for Vascular Surgery.
💬 Nelson often reminded people:
“While I was privileged to help heal physical hearts, the Savior heals broken spiritual hearts.”
🙏 Call to Spiritual Leadership
Despite his successful career, Nelson accepted a higher calling.
- April 1984: Called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- Decades of Service: Ministered in over 130 countries, meeting members, government leaders, and interfaith representatives.
- January 14, 2018: After the passing of President Thomas S. Monson, Nelson was set apart as the 17th President of the Church at age 93.
🕊️ Transformational Presidency (2018–2025)
President Nelson’s leadership was characterized by bold reforms and forward-looking initiatives. He believed that revelation was continuous and often spoke of urgency in preparing the church for the future.
📖 1. Emphasis on Church’s Full Name
- Directed members to use The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instead of nicknames like “Mormon” or “LDS.”
- Updated websites, materials, and global communication to reflect this.
🏛️ 2. Temple Expansion Worldwide
- Announced over 150 new temples, the fastest expansion in church history.
- Focused on making temples accessible worldwide, from small towns in Africa to bustling Asian cities.
🕒 3. Adjustments to Worship
- Reduced Sunday meetings from 3 hours to 2 hours.
- Encouraged “Come, Follow Me” home-centered gospel learning.
🌐 4. Digital Ministry During COVID-19
- Held global General Conferences online.
- Introduced more digital resources for families and missionaries.
👨👩👧👦 5. Focus on Youth and Missionaries
- Lowered missionary age in some cases.
- Introduced flexible service opportunities.
❤️ 6. Compassion and Inclusion
- Encouraged kindness, unity, and love for all of God’s children.
👨👩👧👦 Family and Personal Life
Family was always at the center of Nelson’s life.
- Marriage 1: Married Dantzel White in 1945 (they had 10 children).
- Marriage 2: Married Wendy Watson in 2006 after Dantzel’s passing.
👨👩👧 Today, Nelson’s family includes dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
💬 He taught:
“No success can compensate for failure in the home.”
🕯️ His Passing and Church Succession
- Date of Passing: September 27, 2025
- Age: 101 years
- Place: Home in Salt Lake City
According to LDS tradition, Dallin H. Oaks, the most senior apostle, is expected to become the next church president.
🏆 Legacy and Global Impact
President Nelson’s legacy will endure in both medicine and religion.
| 🌟 Role | 🌍 Legacy |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Revolutionized heart surgery techniques. |
| Apostle & Prophet | Guided the church with modern revelation. |
| Temple Builder | Accelerated temple construction worldwide. |
| Teacher | Strengthened emphasis on family and gospel study. |
| Global Leader | Encouraged faith, unity, and humanitarian service. |
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Russell M. Nelson?
He was a world-renowned heart surgeon and the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. What were his major contributions as a prophet?
Temple expansion, emphasis on the church’s full name, digital outreach during COVID-19, and updates to worship practices.
3. How old was President Nelson when he passed away?
He was 101 years old.
4. Who will succeed him as president of the LDS Church?
Following tradition, President Dallin H. Oaks is expected to become the next leader.
5. What is his lasting legacy?
Healing hearts physically as a surgeon and spiritually as a prophet, while emphasizing family, compassion, and temple worship.
📚 Conclusion
President Russell M. Nelson lived a life of extraordinary achievement. From performing groundbreaking heart surgeries to leading millions of Latter-day Saints worldwide, he combined intellect, compassion, and spiritual vision.
His presidency accelerated temple construction, adapted worship practices for modern times, and emphasized Christlike living. More importantly, his teachings continue to resonate with people of faith across the globe.
🌟 For many, he will always be remembered as a man who healed hearts both physically and spiritually.
