Utah and national leaders, including members of the state’s predominant faith, are waking up Sunday morning to news of the death of Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nelson was 101 and died around 10 p.m. Saturday night.
Here’s what national and state leaders are saying about Nelson:
“President Russell M. Nelson was a bold, visionary leader prepared by God to testify of Jesus Christ in the very times in which we now live. … For as long as I’ve known him, he has exuded — and for me, he’s come to personify — the kind of faith, humility and quiet confidence that tends to be the constant companion of a devoted servant and follower of Jesus Christ. To the day he died, he remained a healer — of hearts and of souls.” [Lee also related an anecdote about how Nelson performed open-heart surgery on Lee’s two maternal grandparents on the same day, when Lee was 7 years old.]
— Mike Lee, U.S. senator from Utah, on the social media platform X.
“Few lives have been lived as fully and faithfully as that of President Russell M. Nelson. His remarkable 101 years were a testament to service, faith, and vision. I am grateful for the insight, inspiration, and teachings he shared so generously. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that lifted countless people and left an enduring legacy of hope and strength.”
— John Curtis, U.S. senator from Utah, on X.
“President Russell M. Nelson will be known for the scores of new temples, accelerating the growth of the church, centering the gospel in the home, his prophetic words and his love for Jesus Christ, but for Ann and me, one thing touched us most personally and profoundly: his kindness.”
— Mitt Romney, former presidential candidate and former U.S. senator from Utah, on X.
“We mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson — a prophet of God, a gentle leader, and a voice for peacemaking. He built bridges across faith traditions and cultures, serving God’s children throughout the world. Abby and I will forever treasure our moments with him. ‘Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!’”
— Spencer Cox, Utah governor, on X.
“The teachings and example of President Russell M. Nelson have had a profound impact on my life. I am deeply grateful for the goodness, love, and inspiration that has poured from this Prophet of God to bless my life and millions of others. He will be greatly missed.”
— Deidre Henderson, Utah lieutenant governor, on X.
“President Nelson lived each of his 101 years to their fullness. A respected heart surgeon in his formative years and an apostle and prophet in his latter years. His life was a testament to peacemaking, kindness, and faith. His far-reaching influence will long be remembered, and he will be honored as a man of God who devoted himself to serving others. And to me, his example will remind me to fill my years by being the most dedicated husband, father, neighbor, professional, and disciple of Christ.”
— Blake Moore, U.S. House member from Utah’s 1st District, on X.
“President Russell M. Nelson was a visionary leader who lifted us higher and called us to be peacemakers. A pioneer in open-heart surgery and a bridge-builder in faith, his devotion and love will inspire generations. Today we celebrate his remarkable life of faith and service and mourn his passing.”
— Celeste Maloy, U.S. House member from Utah’s 2nd District, on X.
“Katrina and I mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, who dedicated his life to healing and service — first as a physician, and then as a prophet and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His teachings of faith, love, and discipleship in Jesus Christ have strengthened families, inspired hope and lifted lives across the world. We are grateful for his example and the steady testimony he shared throughout his remarkable life. Our prayers are with his family, and with all who mourn his passing. His legacy will continue to bless generations to come.”
— Mike Kennedy, U.S. House member from Utah’s 3rd District, on X.
“I believe in Christ, and I am grateful for the example President Nelson set in word and deed. His teachings and unwavering love for the Savior have blessed my family and me beyond measure. May we honor his legacy by striving to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ. My prayers are with Sister Nelson, their family and the millions around the world whose lives President Nelson has touched. May we all continue to strive for the life he exemplified — to, on our day of reckoning, feel the embrace of our Savior and hear the words: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’"
— Burgess Owens, U.S. House member from Utah’s 4th District, on X.
“With profound gratitude and heavy hearts, we remember the life of President Russell M. Nelson, a prophet and healer, both physically and spiritually. We mourn his passing while celebrating a lifetime devoted to peace, faith and unwavering service. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all.”
— Stuart Adams, Utah Senate president, on X.
“A long life well lived. President Russell M. Nelson was a man of vision, faith and service whose guidance blessed countless lives, including mine. I will always be grateful for his example of Christ-like love and steady leadership. My prayers are with his family and all who feel this loss.”
— Mike Schultz, Utah House speaker, on X.
“President Nelson, a respected leader and peacemaker, guided the church through times of change and uncertainty with compassion and conviction. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and the millions of Latter-day Saints mourning his loss around the world.”
— Utah House Democrats, in a statement.
“A great leader who led us during a tumultuous time. His leadership will be greatly missed. God bless.”
— Jason Chaffetz, former congressman from Utah, on X.
“A wise and thoughtful man, President Nelson dedicated nearly four decades of leadership service to his faith and the church — outwardly demonstrating the call to practice Christ-like love. His service to others was not limited solely to his faith, but to his country and his fellow soldier[s], having served as a member of the United States Army Medical Corps. President Nelson was a renowned surgeon and medical researcher, earning many awards and recognitions for his revolutionary and groundbreaking medical procedures. He was an exceptionally kind leader whose lifetime focus centered on embodying the love of Jesus Christ. His was a life well lived, and I join other members of the church in mourning his passing. My prayers are with President Nelson’s wife, children and many grandchildren as they grieve his loss here on earth, but celebrate in the hope of one day rejoining him in perfect peace in heaven.”
— Mike Crapo, U.S. senator from Idaho, in a statement.
“Loved this man. Grateful for his remarkable life and teachings.”
— Ryan Smith, Qualtrics founder and chair/CEO of Smith Entertainment Group, on X.