President Nelson Celebrates 100th Birthday

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined family and friends on September 9, 2024, to honor the prophet and Church President Russell M. Nelson on his 100th birthday.

The event was held in Salt Lake City and broadcast around the world. It featured live music, video tributes from various faith leaders, talks from Church leaders and from members of President Nelson’s family, and videos from Church members sharing how they ministered to the one.

President Nelson thanked family, friends, and Latter-day Saints for their kindness and support. He shared his appreciation for the countless birthday messages and the global response to his “99+1” invitation, in which he encouraged people “to reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone” (Facebook, June 1, 2024, facebook.com/russell.m.nelson).

The prophet emphasized the importance of faith, an eternal perspective on life, and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “My dear brothers and sisters, the length of your life is not as important as the kind of life that you live,” President Nelson said. “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.”

Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, President Nelson’s counselors in the First Presidency, shared their observations from working side by side with the prophet for six and a half years. They highlighted President Nelson’s warmth, respect for others, and Christlike demeanor.

“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,” President Oaks said. “He is the Savior’s representative. And he is our role model.”