September 29, 2025 - WASHINGTON – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement on the passing of Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

“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.

“I first acquired my profound respect for him as a seven-year-old boy, when he performed open-heart surgery on both of my maternal grandparents. On the same day Just a few short years ago, President Nelson described to me in exquisite detail how he handled each step of the two surgeries he had performed that day — more than 40 years earlier, and about seven years before he was called into full-time Church service as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“After their surgeries, he told both of my grandparents that they could each expect to live another 10 to 15 years following the surgery. Both of them lived for another 25 years and credited President Nelson for their longevity, with good reason!

“Although I first heard his name in the context of his surgical practice, for me that was only the beginning of my countless reasons for admiring President Nelson.

“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.

“Sharon and I extend our gratitude and heartfelt condolences to President Nelson’s family, and to the millions of Latter-day Saints throughout the world who mourn his passing.”

Source: Senator Mike Lee