President Donald J. Trump

“Russell M. Nelson, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away last night at the age of 101 — He just had his birthday earlier this week! Russell was sharp and engaged in service up until the end. Our hearts and prayers are with his incredible wife, Wendy, his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren, as well as Members of the Church all over our Country. Russell had a remarkable life, pioneering life-saving heart surgery techniques and, of course, his ministry of many decades. He was a physician, literally and spiritually, and will be greatly missed!”

— @realDonaldTrump on Truth Social

Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University

“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Wendy Nelson and the entire membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of her husband and their President Dr. Russell Nelson. He was 101 years of age. I had the privilege of knowing President Nelson and working with him in interfaith efforts in defense of marriage and the family–a cause to which he was profoundly devoted. He was also a champion of the sanctity of human life. All who knew him were struck by his kindness and compassion. Before entering church leadership, he was a highly respected heart surgeon. The LDS Church was blessed to have him as a leader, teacher, and role model. I join his family and the Church’s faithful in mourning his death but also in celebrating his life.

—  @McCormickProf X account

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox

“Today 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!'”

— @GovCox X account

Utah Lieutenant Gov. Deidre Henderson

“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.”

— @DeidreHenderson X account

Utah Senator John Curtis

“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.”

—  in a press release and on his @SenJohnCurtis X account

Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy

“Katrina and I join our hearts with countless others in reflecting on the profound life and legacy of President Russell M. Nelson who has passed from this mortal existence. We feel deep sorrow for his family, our global Church community, and all touched by his extraordinary life.

“President Nelson, a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, was more than a spiritual leader; he was a healer, a visionary, and a man of unwavering faith who bridged hearts across the world. As a pioneering heart surgeon, he saved countless lives with his skilled hands. As a prophet, he guided us through turbulent times with messages of hope, unity, and the pure joy of the gospel. His global ministry, promoting peace and inviting all to ‘think celestial,’ reminds us that true leadership lifts others toward eternity.

“In Utah’s 3rd District and beyond, his legacy of service, resilience, and Christlike love endures. He taught us to look unto Christ in all things, and today, as we mourn, we feel his spirit drawing us closer to our Savior.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sister Wendy Nelson and their family. Let us honor President Nelson by living his teachings: loving God, loving our neighbors, and pressing forward with faith in Jesus Christ.”

— @RepMikeKennedy X account

Utah Rep. Burgess Owens

“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of my faith and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“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.'”

—  @BurgessOwens X account

Utah Senator Mike Lee

“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 of 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.”

— @BasedMikeLee X account

Former Utah Senator Mitt Romney

“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.”

— @MittRomney X account