During a live global broadcast on September 9, 2024, Church leaders, friends, and family members shared tributes to President Russell M. Nelson in honor of his 100th birthday. The program featured musical numbers by Nathan Pacheco, Jared Pierce, and Jenny Oaks Baker, a video presentation by President Nelson’s posterity, and highlights of Church members’ experiences responding to the prophet’s 99+1 invitation.
Speakers included President Jeffrey R. Holland, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, President Nelson’s great-granddaughter Ashlyn Owens and daughter Marsha N. Workman, President Camille N. Johnson, President Dallin H. Oaks, and President Henry B. Eyring. The event also featured a video message from President Nelson, focusing on his gratitude for the Savior and his love for family and Church members.
Here are a few of our favorite quotes from the historic celebration.
President Jeffrey R. Holland
“He is unfailingly kind and composed, gentle and forgiving. Above all, he has embraced and personifies the counsel Paul gave to the Corinthians: ‘Do ye not know that they which minister holy things should live the things of the temple?’
“President Nelson, in the spirit of the hundreds of temples you have announced, drafted, remodeled, completed, or dedicated, we celebrate the sweet, robust, history-making 100 years of your life.”
Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown
“He, my brother, … has a world view and has led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through unparalleled accomplishments of humanitarian, spiritual, cultural and social betterment in this nation and world.”
Ashlyn Owens
“Despite serving in a myriad of callings, he has hardly ever missed a baby blessing, baptism, mission call opening, or special family event. Our family has become very large, but he has always focused on us as individuals.”
Marsha N. Workman
“Above all, his love, kindness and fun sense of humor always made time with him special. … Our home was centered on love for each other, on love for the Savior, and on living His gospel. It was full of music, fun, and joy in being together.”
President Camille N. Johnson
“Joyfully and with all the fervor of my soul, I declare to the world that President Russell M. Nelson is a holy man, the Lord’s mouthpiece on the earth today: a mighty prophet of God. I am sure of it.”
President Dallin H. Oaks
“To be in a room, or in a meeting, or in a conversation with President Nelson just gives you the opportunity of experiencing what it would be like to be with the Savior. He is the Savior’s representative, and he is our role model.”
President Henry B. Eyring
“[President Nelson] is the Savior’s representative…. I wish the members of the Church could have any sense of how much he really loves them and cares for them. It’s really quite remarkable.”
President Russell M. Nelson
“A mortal birthday is not an endpoint. It is a step in our eternal progression. Central to Heavenly Father’s plan is the atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. How I love Him!”
“The length of your life is not as important as the kind of life that you live. For each of us, even for a 100-year-old man, life passes quickly. My prayer is that you will let God prevail in your life. Make covenants with him. Stay on the covenant path. Prepare to return to live with him again.”
Watch the full program in the player below.
To read more about President Nelson, check out the articles below.
▶ 100 facts about President Nelson for his 100th birthday
▶ Pres. Nelson’s youngest kids share 5 sweet stories about their dad
▶ ‘I don’t understand, but I trust you’—how Pres. Nelson’s response to new perspective could help your ward
