Dallin H. Oaks is 93. Honestly, let that sink in for a second. In an era where most people are eyeing the retirement finish line by 65, this man just stepped into one of the most demanding global leadership roles on the planet.
On October 14, 2025, following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson—who lived to be a staggering 101—Dallin H. Oaks became the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He isn't just "old." He’s a nonagenarian leading a global organization of over 17 million members.
The Numbers Behind the Age of Dallin H. Oaks
Born on August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah, Oaks has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the birth of the internet. You've probably heard people talk about his age like it's a liability, but in the world of LDS leadership, seniority is the name of the game. It’s a system designed for stability. No campaigning. No backroom deals. Just the clock and the calendar.
As of early 2026, he is 93 years and 5 months old.
He didn't just stumble into this. He spent decades in the "waiting room" of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, being ordained way back in 1984. Think about that. He’s been in high-level leadership for over 40 years. Most CEOs don't last ten.
A Life Formed by Early Loss
When we talk about the age of Dallin H. Oaks, we have to look at how his early years shaped his stamina. His dad, a medical doctor, died of tuberculosis when Dallin was only seven. That's a heavy hit for a kid. He was raised by a single mom, Stella Harris Oaks, in a time when that was even harder than it is now.
He started working at a radio repair shop at age 12.
Basically, he’s been working for eight decades.
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It’s probably why he has that "jurist" vibe everyone talks about. He was a clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. He was a law professor at the University of Chicago. He was the President of BYU. Then, he was a Justice on the Utah Supreme Court. He’s lived three or four high-powered lifetimes before even becoming the Prophet.
Why 93 is the New... Well, 93
There’s a lot of chatter about whether someone in their 90s can actually "run" a multi-billion dollar church. You’ve got to remember the structure. He isn't doing this alone. He has counselors (currently Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, following some shifts after President Nelson's passing) and the rest of the Twelve.
But make no mistake, the age of Dallin H. Oaks isn't slowing his pen. He’s known for being incredibly precise. Legalistic, some say. He doesn't waste words.
- He's 93.
- He's the 18th President.
- He's a former Supreme Court Justice.
- He’s been married twice (widowed in 1998, remarried in 2000).
People often ask: Is he the oldest ever? Not quite. Russell M. Nelson holds that crown at 101. But Oaks is right up there in the top tier of longevity.
What to Expect From an "Oaks Era"
Kinda surprisingly, even at his age, people expect him to be a "law and order" leader. He’s spent his life defending religious freedom and traditional marriage. Some members are worried he’ll be too rigid. Others are stoked for what they see as a return to "clear-cut" doctrine.
Honestly, he’s a bit of a wildcard despite his age.
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He was one of the guys who helped push through the 2019 reversal of the "policy of exclusion" regarding children of gay parents. He’s also been vocal about civil discourse and protecting the democratic process. He’s a complicated guy.
Health and Vitality in the 90s
We don't get daily medical bulletins on Church presidents, but if history is any guide, these guys are usually sharp until the very end. They don't really "retire." They serve until they die.
You've probably noticed that the age of Dallin H. Oaks hasn't stopped him from traveling or giving hour-long addresses. He’s got that old-school stamina. It’s that "Utah pioneer" DNA, maybe? Or just a very strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom.
The Reality of Succession
If you’re wondering what happens next, the line is already set. Because the LDS Church uses a strict seniority-based system, we already know who follows. With Jeffrey R. Holland passing away in late 2025, the next in line is Henry B. Eyring, who is also in his 90s.
It’s a gerontocracy. There’s no point in sugarcoating it. But for the members, that age is seen as a badge of wisdom, not a sign of decay.
Actionable Insights for Following President Oaks
If you're trying to keep up with what he's doing at 93, here's the best way to do it:
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Watch the General Conference Archives. Don't just look at the highlights. If you want to understand the man, you have to hear the legal precision in his voice. He speaks like he’s writing a judicial opinion.
Read "In the Hands of the Lord." It’s the big biography by Richard Turley. It’s long, but it explains why he is the way he is. It covers the "inner" Dallin—the guy who played the oboe and struggled with math as a kid.
Monitor the Religious Freedom filings. Oaks is obsessed with the First Amendment. If the Church gets involved in a legal amicus brief, his fingerprints are usually all over it.
The age of Dallin H. Oaks is more than just a number on a birthday card. It’s a testament to a specific kind of endurance. Whether you agree with his politics or his theology, you’ve got to respect a guy who is still "all in" when most people his age are just trying to remember where they put their glasses.
Keep an eye on the April 2026 General Conference. That will be his first big "state of the union" as the official President, and it’ll likely set the tone for however many years he has left at the helm.