Russell M Nelson Age, Life, and Legacy
Russell M Nelson is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the LDS Church or Mormon Church. He became the 17th president of the church on January 14, 2018, following the death of President Thomas S. Monson. Before this calling, he served as an Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1984.
Nelson is not only a religious leader but also a highly respected heart surgeon and medical researcher. Before his full-time church service, he helped pioneer open-heart surgery and was part of the team that developed the heart-lung machine, which made many modern cardiac surgeries possible.
He has traveled across the globe, met with world leaders, and spoken to millions of members in various languages. His leadership is known for its kindness, clarity, and innovation in church policy and communication.
Russell M Nelson Biography Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Russell Marion Nelson |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1924 |
| russell m nelson age | 100 (as of July 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Education | BA, MD (Univ. of Utah), Ph.D. (Univ. of Minnesota) |
| Profession | Heart Surgeon, Church Leader |
| Notable Contributions | Heart-lung machine, open-heart surgery |
| Church Role | Apostle (1984), President (2018–present) |
| First Wife | Dantzel White (d. 2005) |
| Second Wife | Wendy L. Watson (m. 2006) |
| Children | 10 (9 daughters, 1 son) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Medical Corps (Korean War) |
| Hobbies | Gardening, Piano, Walking, Skiing (in youth) |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Weight | ~202 lbs (92 kg) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @russellmnelson, Facebook: russell.m.nelson |
What is Russell M Nelson Age?
The russell m nelson age is a notable detail in his biography. He was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
- As of July 31, 2025, russell m nelson age is 100 years old.
- He will turn 101 years old on September 9, 2025.
At this age, he is:
- The oldest living apostle in LDS Church history
- The oldest president to ever lead the Church
- Among the oldest religious leaders in the world
His long life is often attributed to his healthy lifestyle, spiritual peace, and daily activity.
Why is Russell M Nelson famous?
Russell M. Nelson is famous for two primary reasons:
- Medical Contributions: Nelson was a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon. He performed over 7,000 heart surgeries. His most notable contribution was working on the heart-lung machine, which was crucial in the first successful open-heart surgeries in Utah during the 1950s.
- Religious Leadership: As President of the LDS Church, he has initiated several major changes, such as:
- Adjusting Sunday worship schedules
- Announcing many new temples worldwide
- Emphasizing the correct name of the Church
- Promoting home-centered gospel learning
He is widely respected both within and outside of the Church for his intelligence, humility, and service.
What is Russell M Nelson Net worth?
There are many rumors online about the net worth of Russell M. Nelson, especially due to the Church’s large financial holdings. However, these estimates are often misleading.
- The LDS Church is estimated to hold billions in assets, but that does not mean President Nelson owns those personally.
- He has never received a celebrity-level salary. Church leaders receive modest stipends to cover living costs.
- His medical career may have earned him a good income before retirement, but no official figures exist.
Summary:
Russell M. Nelson’s net worth is not publicly verified, and claims tying his worth to the Church’s wealth are inaccurate.
Russell M Nelson Biography
Early Life
Russell M. Nelson was raised in a middle-class home. His family was not deeply religious in his early years. He was baptized into the Church at age 16 after being encouraged by teachers and friends.
From a young age, Nelson showed signs of brilliance. He was quick to learn and had a passion for science and education.
Education
He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City. He enrolled at the University of Utah, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Medical Degree (MD) by the age of 22.
Later, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota while helping develop the heart-lung machine. He also studied advanced surgery in Boston and Washington, D.C.
Family
Russell M. Nelson married Dantzel White on August 31, 1945. They had 10 children, including nine daughters and one son. His wife passed away in 2005.
In 2006, he married Wendy L. Watson, a retired BYU professor. They have no children together, but she supports him in his Church duties. He now has dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Personal Life
- Nelson served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.
- He is a polyglot, with varying degrees of fluency in Chinese, German, Russian, and others.
- He enjoys playing the piano and often played duets with his wife Dantzel.
Even at 100, Nelson stays active. He walks daily, reads often, and continues to travel globally to visit Church members.
Lifestyle
Russell M. Nelson leads a very disciplined life:
- He avoids tobacco, alcohol, and coffee.
- He eats a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
- He exercises and stays mentally sharp by reading scriptures and medical journals.
He is known for his optimism, warm smile, and positive energy, even in old age.
Russell M Nelson Height and Weight
- Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Weight: Approximately 202 pounds (92 kilograms)
Despite his age, he appears strong and upright, often walking on his own and standing for long periods during public addresses.
Russell M Nelson Media Presence
President Nelson has embraced social media to reach global followers.
- Instagram: @russellmnelson – Over 1 million followers
- Facebook: Russell M. Nelson
- Twitter: Russell M. Nelson
He often shares spiritual messages, travel updates, and Church initiatives online, making him one of the most followed religious leaders on social platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Russell M. Nelson?
The russell m nelson age is 100 years old as of July 2025. He turns 101 on September 9, 2025.
Is Russell M. Nelson still the president of the LDS Church?
Yes. He has led the Church since 2018 and is actively serving as of 2025.
Did Russell M. Nelson work as a doctor?
Yes. He was a world-renowned heart surgeon and helped pioneer open-heart surgery techniques.
How many children does he have?
He has 10 children, with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Does Russell M. Nelson use social media?
Yes. You can follow him on Instagram @russellmnelson and on Facebook.
Conclusion
The russell m nelson age of 100 is a symbol of both his endurance and inspiration. Few global leaders have maintained such active responsibilities at his age. As a brilliant heart surgeon, devoted family man, and now prophet of a worldwide church, Russell M. Nelson stands as a remarkable example of service and longevity.
His life teaches the value of faith, discipline, education, and kindness. His personal story, spanning medicine, religion, and leadership, continues to impact millions every day.
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