President Nelson extends invitation to his 95th birthday celebration

14 March 2019, 2:34 p.m. MDT

President M. Russell Ballard and President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints react to an photograph taken earlier in the day of themselves in Rome, Italy on Monday, March 11, 2019. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

By Aubrey Eyre

A celebration in honor of the 95th birthday of President Russell M. Nelson will bring together family, friends and others from around the world to honor the life of the living prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Newsroom announced on March 14 that the large celebration for President Nelson’s birthday will be held on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. MDT at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. The celebration will include acclaimed performers and distinguished guests will share personal tributes and insights into the life and ministry of President Nelson.

“These types of celebrations, which we have seen since the early years of the Church, give us inspiring insight into the lives of those chosen by God to serve as His prophets,” said President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency. “I have personally attended many such events for past prophets, and each time I leave with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the way in which our Father in Heaven shapes, trains and teaches His prophets. It will be a privilege for all of us to participate and to celebrate President Nelson’s 95th birthday.”

President Russell M. Nelson the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive hugs from family members after he and his councilors President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor held a press conference at the church office building in Salt Lake City Utah on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. | Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News, Deseret News

President Nelson, 94, was set apart as the 17th President of the Church on Jan. 14, after serving 34 years in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In addition to his service as an Apostle, President Nelson is known for his long and esteemed medical career.

His legacy continues “in the lives of many physicians who are cardiovascular surgeons who were trained under his watchful eye,” Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer, a doctor and General Authority Seventy, told the Church News following President Nelson’s call to lead the Church in January 2018.

As a father of 10 children, President Nelson is also known by many as a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He also has more energy than most people his age, said President Oaks in a Church News article. “I always try to keep up with him and I can’t do it. I grab hold of the banister to balance and I skip along as well as I can.”

President Nelson is only the second prophet — the first being Joseph Fielding Smith — to be called as President of the Church while over the age of 90.

Tickets for the free event celebrating President Nelson’s 95th birthday will become available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org beginning July 30 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be limited to two tickets per individual.