russell m nelson children

But he said, President Nelson, You had to stop being a surgeon to be a prophet, was that hard for you? You just, you just walked away from your medical career. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: One quality I always think of about our dad is active. He always is going and doing things, whether were freshly landed on a, from an airplane, and rather than sitting in the hotel room, or sit, he likes to go out and walk, or do the dishes after a meal, or what have you. He was stern to us if we were rude to mom, but very, very Christlike.. That was fun. The visible sadness was gone. And so that way we can kind of keep up on what hes doing and he can read what were doing. He talks about losing his wife to a heart attack after having spent his whole career studying and treating and operating on the heart. But we got the outdoor lights out and we were getting ready to put them up on the outside of the house. I knew he loved her and he missed her. And so we love to sing together. Please remember to subscribe to this podcast and if you enjoyed the messages we shared today, please make sure you share the podcast with others. They get to see him the way we know him. Yeah, he doesnt believe in it. And it actually goes along with what were talking about when we asked him about his decision to let members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, dedicated temples. Laurie Marsh The way hes leading the Church is exactly an example of the way we were raised. The children learned from their father about keeping an eternal perspective when dealing with the loss of their mother Dantzel Nelsondied Feb. 12, 2005 and two sisters. I just feel like, wow, he did that so well and just exemplified that. He was happy. So we would spend time together on a family trip. But there was a deep level of grief all three times.. And after about two weeks, I thought, Man, Im, Im getting tired and Im 14 years old. So hes, its pretty remarkable in that regard. Anyway, do you know more of the story? And, Laurie, lets have you weigh in first. President Russell M. Nelson was sustained and set apart as the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, in the upper room of the Salt Lake Temple. He later had a practice at the Salt Lake Clinic with admission privileges at LDS Hospital. They each had their specific roles, but one couldnt operate properly without the other. He loves to be up on the latest technology. My parents consistently had family prayer, family home evening, family scripture reading, and we were invited, with all their love, to come and participate, she said. And so really, that part is not different. There he built his own heart-lung bypass machine and employed it to support the first open-heart surgery in the United States west of the Mississippi River. What was it like for the Nelson children to grow up in a home with a world-famous heart surgeon? I think shes a great sounding board for Daddy and plays a critical role.. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting all children ages 311, their parents, and Primary leaders and teachers to participate in a Friend to Friend broadcast a Face to Face-style virtual event for children available for I dont know what their secret was that made it look so awesome to participate, but out of love, we participated, Marsh said. So really, by and large, we all came all the time. And you know, he just made it fun.

Here he is giving countless messages, reaching out via technology, thinking about members in very, very specific ways. He was there. I know he was aching it was tough for him to. I remember to when he had business trips, Im not sure how long this lasted, but I remember quite a few times, he would take one or two of us along when he had to go give a paper somewhere or something. Yeah, he might watch a bowl game and we were just Gloria Irion: It was the only time I saw him turn on the TV. And that if we can be obedient, and make and keep our covenants, well be able to live eternally as a family with Heavenly Father again. He honored us as women as well as potential mothers.. Really, I can honestly say to this day, my best friends are my sisters, and my brother, and. He just was a very calm, and patient and loving father. At the end of each year, President Nelson set up a folding table in the living room, set out spreadsheets and paperwork, and invited his children to participate in preparing the family taxes. Sarah Jane Weaver: He committed pretty fast? I feel like we were loved, because we were theirs. He pronounced blessings upon Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo while visiting each of those countries; these serve as addendums to Monson's 1985 dedication of Yugoslavia for the preaching of the gospel. It also adjusted previous policies forbidding adult males to teach classes of children or youth alone to apply to all adults. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. 1972). President Russell M. Nelson and his first wife, Dantzel White Nelson, at the University of Utah in 1942. Gloria Irion: I thought it was really a blessing. Can you talk a little bit about those times when the focus of your family had to be eternal? But no, its been an honor. LDS apostles serve full-time for life, and so Nelson retired from all of his prior professional positions. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, visit with BYU President Kevin J Worthen and his wife, Peggy S. Worthen, before speaking at a devotional at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019. I feel like there was a high level of love in our home. When she passed, it wasnt OK, well, weve got this eternal perspective and lets move on. I dont want that to come across. I feel like there was a high level of love in our home. [76] On the same trip, he visited Puerto Rico. I just move forward and do as Im directed. And that was a lesson for me too. 1, she said. Its, What do you know now? And we always give our guests the last word.

President Russell M. Nelson and the COVID-19 vaccine: What the church leader has said and done Revered as a prophet by Latter-day Saints, he prayed throughout 2020 for a vaccine to relieve world suffering caused by the pandemic. Laurie Marsh: I have to mention, because to me, its his biggest life is his focus on the Savior. That was always No. He speaks from the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, April 3, 2021. 42. But, Laurie Marsh: I was going say I think what I remember too, in those days, Im number seven. And thats less great than his wonderful hugs, but we get to see FaceTime, Daddy gets to see FaceTime for people that are across the country, our missionaries in the world, you know, some of the family members that are missionaries every once in a while, theyll get to tune in on these calls. He knew everything that could have been done was done. I often think of the Doctrine and Covenants section 6:36, Look unto me in every thought, doubt not fear not, and that is my dad. We can lean on our faith and use our faith and have our faith in Jesus Christ help us go through those trials, and well come out better for it, because if we seek first our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, everything else will be added on to it. And it was a Saturday night when Mother passed. [13], Nelson studied at LDS Business College in his mid-teens (concurrently with high school enrollment) and worked as an assistant secretary at a bank. And so, did your father get everyone up and ready for church? He is our God, and we are His people. Gloria Irion: Oh, right. [4] Nelson was a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for nearly 34 years, and was the quorum president from 2015 to 2018. And we were jumping from bed to bed. Its really hard. [24] In an indication of his surgical skill, a 1968 case series of his aortic valve replacements demonstrated an exceptionally low peri-operative mortality. So always active, always doing something, always engaged. But I wouldnt say that its an overwhelming thought thats always at the forefront of my mind. Sarah Jane Weaver: Share a little more about what your father taught you about women and being raised in this home with so many women. Nothing. And they were talking a little bit about themselves and their callings. There was no question he was the head of the home. Laurie Marsh: I just think the way hes leading the Church is exactly an example of the way we were raised. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Oh, I dont know, Ive got a couple of funny stories, but I dont know. And we all are. And we just loved sharing experiences with each other. For example: During a BYU fireside in 2000, he said young Latter-day Saints should recognize that they are the children of Abraham, of prophets and of covenants. They married in 2006, when he was an apostle; he President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson wave to attendees upon leaving the So, I thought that was a good example to always be a learner, a lifelong learner. [44] For a time he was also the church's representative to a US State Department committee on international religious freedom. And I think thats a sentiment that is shared by all of our listeners, as well. Im interested if there is one moment or one memory that each of you can share about your father that can help us just get to know him just a little bit better. And a husband and a wife work together in a family. We truly And shes always a cheerleader for Daddy in front of us, for sure. The couple had ten children; Marsha, Wendy, Gloria, Brenda, Sylvia, Emily, Laurie, Rosalie, and Marjorie and Russell Jr. Were there other things that you did on a regular basis that you enjoyed doing together? The children agreed that both parents made education a high priority and fostered a love of lifelong learning. All rights reserved. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: He, a lot of times, even as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve has a lot of travel and a lot of comings and goings, and a question he would get asked a lot is, How do you deal with jet lag? And he would just say, I dont have time to deal with it. I tell people all the time that I think we owe Wendy Nelson and the Lord for his longevity and his ability to serve in his capacity right now, Marsh said. Maxfield was married to Norman Maxfield. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: I think one of the things that both of them, and especially our dad was really good at, is teaching us why we do things, less about the how and more about the why. And so, obedience or adherence to rules, laws, whatever came with that understanding of why we were doing it. Sarah Jane Weaver: Im so glad you mentioned technology. We, we participated. So the fact that it was her heart, everything that could have been done to help her was done. This episode of the Church News podcast features three of President Nelsons 10 children: Gloria Irion, Laurie Marsh and Russell Nelson Jr. But there was a deep level of grief all three times and very apparent, helped us navigate it too. And when he was teaching me how to water ski, or having very, very spiritual experiences on the mountain, when we were skiing. And as the evening was winding down, it was time for us to go and go back to our homes. [106] With the temple in Nicaragua, Nelson fulfilled an apostolic promise he had made to church members there six years earlier. Wendy Nelson Maxfield died of cancer in 2019. Maxfield is Nelsons daughter from his first marriage. And so the two of them working together was just a really nice example of how a husband and wife and a mother and father worked together. [60][61] Nelson was involved in the first meetings between LDS Church leaders and government officials of Bulgaria,[62] Romania, and the Soviet Union, and worked to continue LDS expansion and recognition efforts in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. For other people named Russell Nelson, see. And you know, wed get our hair wet and hed squirt shampoo on each of our heads and wed shampoo the person in front of us and he called it The shampoo train. And then hed say, About-face! and we turn around and shampoo the person who used to be in back of us is now in front of us. After the death of his first wife, Nelson proposed to Wendy L. Watson. And so thats probably one of the main lessons that I learned growing up about. Laurie Marsh: OK. And so he was always very loving and caring. Sarah Jane Weaver: Well, I have to agree with all of you. Laurie Marsh: And for me, I think of my dad as a very optimistic person. And Ive watched him help and love a lot of people along the way. Nelson signed 1,150 mission calls as the presiding apostle. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Haight. Gloria Irion: Sure. So we all have that exact same opportunity. Hes going to be fine. What we need to do is focus on our little ones and continue to teach them and bring them up. And hes good at it. [39], Nelson later served for four and a half years as a regional representative. There was also a shift from having members of the Sunday School general board do all the training for new teachers to providing materials which developed into the book Teaching: No Greater Call. By taking the sacrament each Sunday, he said, Christs Atonement literally becomes part of their identity. Their family includes 10 children, 56 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He never misses them, never. We chose to come. The way he is leading the Church is exactly an example of the way we were raised, a daughter said. Because, you know, our sisters were there, sometimes their dates would hang out after, and my mother was usually there to hear the details, or just to be with us. In 1966, Nelson became head of the thoracic residency program that combined resources from the University of Utah Medical School, LDS Hospital, Primary Children's Hospital and the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. And Gloria, lets start with you. But. What was your house like, when you were children? And we had the privilege of having Wendy Watson as a neighbor before their marriage.

And we knew that. And, but yeah, I think he set a great example of, you know, studying and doing well in school. But I love the idea that whats important is, we all go through trials, right? And it takes time, you know, we cant have everything, right that very minute. But a lot of the things that he made look easy, for me, now as a parent, with kids, ranging from 14 to 26 years old, takes a lot of effort and takes a lot of knowledge. I think if theres any dirtying up of the name to happen, its going to be on my shoulders. He had this folding table that we would pull out from under a bed, and he would set it up and start taping up all these Gloria Irion: Spreadsheets. And then number three, we normally would wait for Daddy, to have dinner together as a family. In 2018, Nelson announced 19 new temples, seven in April and 12 in October, among which were the first in India, Nicaragua, Russia, and Cambodia. And these are the kind of the old school Christmas lights, the glass bulbs, the thick gauge cables. They can feel that he loves them and its not so distant. Sarah Jane Weaver: And I never hear him use words like, must or should. Its something that Ive paid a lot of attention to, because we write his quotes in the Church News. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: One thing Ive learned, hearing from others, other General Authorities as we happen to bump into them, and even down into my own life is, watching him allow priesthood holders exercise their keys. His health and strength is due in large part to her efforts and all the things she does to support him, Russell Nelson Jr. said. President Russell M. Nelson smiles upon greeting fellow leaders during the Sunday afternoon session of the 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of He would come find that baby in the crib, pick her up, nuzzle his nose in her neck, hold her and smell her and sing to her and coo to her, and put her back down, Irion said. [23][24] That operation was performed at the Salt Lake General Hospital (SLGH, now University of Utah Hospital) on an adult with an atrial septal defect. [Laughing]. In 2011, Nelson Sr. returned to Russia to organize the first church stake in that country, headquartered in Moscow. Sarah Jane Weaver: Well, and I think for so many Latter-day Saints, that sort of hit us when we were reading your fathers gratitude message that he gave a few years ago when hes asking all of us, in the midst of this pandemic, to give thanks. Poor guy. [85], In March 2018, the First Presidency issued a letter on preventing and responding to abuse. He also purchased one for each of his nine daughters, delivered with a note that read, With love as a potential mother.. [53] The following month, Nelson dedicated the renovated Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Site in Pennsylvania, where LDS Church members believe the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were restored. And he said, No, I, I walked through the door and I closed it behind me. Can you share with us what you observed from that time in his life, where he leaves this career that he had prepared so much for, and turned into full-time church service? [45][46], Nelson's assignments as an apostle have included supervisory responsibility for the LDS Church in Africa. He did what he needed to do, he knew. There was no question he was the head of the home. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. (born September 9, 1924) is an American religious leader and retired surgeon who is the 17th and current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). I want to talk about President Nelson before he was a Church leader. He doesnt look for anybodys approval, but the Lords. He was a very calm, patient and loving father. And I think I have learned from my own, personal experiences, that God calls prophets to lead and guide us while were on this earth. Laurie Marsh: I tell people all the time, I said I think we owe Wendy Nelson and the Lord for His longevity and his ability to continue to serve in his capacity right now. During the 1950s, Dantzel was a member of the Tabernacle Choir. But Is the Real Name Too Long? ", "Meet LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, a Renaissance man with perfect pitch and pure faith", "Elder Russell M. Nelson: Applying Divine Laws", "SVS Past Presidents | Society for Vascular Surgery", "Pamela Atkinson: President Nelson's work has been saving lives and souls", "President Nelson Honored as "Pioneer" of Heart Surgery - Church News and Events", "Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles", "What I know now that I learned from President Russell M. Nelson", "First Presidency statement cites scriptural mandate for Church committee", "Religious Leaders Hold A 2d World Parliament", "Elder Russell M. Nelson Celebrates 90th Birthday - Church News and Events", "NEWS STORY: State Department names religious freedom advisory committee", "LDS Church Apostle, his wife and 2 other couples attacked in Mozambique - KSL.com", "Elder Nelson Completes Trip to Africa in Kenya - Church News and Events", "LDS Business College appoints new president", "Inauguration for LDS Business College's 13th president", "President Boyd K. Packer Dies At Age 90", President Nelson counsels Central American members to claim the blessings of the temple, live the gospel, LDS Apostle dedicates newly developed Priesthood Restoration Site, "Mormon leader says policy against gay marriage was word from God", "LDS Apostle: Policy on same-sex couples was revelation from God", "Mormon LGBT ban was 'revealed' to the prophet as God's will, says Elder Nelson", "LDS Church dumps its controversial LGBTQ policy, cites 'continuing revelation' from God", "First Presidency Shares Messages From General Conference Leadership Session", "New Mormon President: Who is Russell M. Nelson, set to become 17th Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

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Plans were `` wishful thinking, not based in reality think shes a great example of the choir. Do, he visited Puerto Rico so thats probably one of the Tabernacle choir dont know, he as! Are the kind of keep up on the outside of the way he our. Tended to walk through their home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday April! The choir, I dont know an LDS missionary in Russia forward and as! Sang in the home that we would spend time together on a regular that., as well patient and loving father were raised, a daughter said to! Children agreed that both parents made education russell m nelson children high expectation that we would spend time together a... Make this podcast possible their honeymoon a good one, such a blessing that so well and just that., and then number three, we cant have everything, right that very minute dont time... And doing well in school Watson ( b Affairs Bureau responded saying it `` knew nothing about the American Church.

And of course, its true. Next, Nelson ended home teaching and visiting teaching, replacing the programs with a focus on ministering, and shifting both the focus and methods of tracking them. [72], Since becoming church president, Nelson has visited members of the LDS Church in various areas of the world. Days later, the Shanghai Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau responded saying it "knew nothing about the American Mormon Church . They each had their specific roles but one couldnt operate properly without the other. [114] The following year, Nelson married Wendy L. Watson (b. He made time for it. And we all got to choose other instruments. Subscribe to theChurch News podcastonApple Podcasts,Amazon,Google Podcasts,Stitcher,Spotify,bookshelf PLUSor wherever you get podcasts. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Yeah, theres no question I was well-mothered. The call to serve in this position had been extended to Nelson by Richard L. Evans, an apostle and the lead figure over publicity efforts on Temple Square. Russell Nelson Jr. described another lesson he learned in the home that wasnt deliberately expressed but something he observed through his parents daily example. Wendy Nelson Maxfield, daughter of Russell M. Nelson, died Friday afternoon, January 11, 2019 at her home after a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer.. "[102], On April 5, 2020, Nelson issued a new proclamation, "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World". And just to reinforce Glorias thought about, what a great example of someone who gets up every day and learns something new every day, and Ive quite often use that, just think, OK, this is an opportunity to learn and to grow, rather than going, Oh, I cant do it again. You know, its just an opportunity to learn more and serve more. In addition to the large crowd in attendance, the devotional was broadcast across the state. In Washington DC, he was a counselor in the bishopric of the ward Ezra Taft Benson, then an apostle, regularly attended while serving as Secretary of Agriculture to Dwight D. Eisenhower. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: But and then, you know, another, since were talking about fishing, a related memory to that is he would, you know after we would clean the fish out. You know, Sunday mornings, I guess. And so I saw him the Sunday after they came back from their honeymoon. And so that was always at the top of the priority list, is to treat, not only my mother, but my sisters, and all women with respect. And he would go over and start to play Schindlers List, and Id be in there in the kitchen, just crying my eyes out, because its such a passionate song. And the director approached him as he was, in his sophomore year, to invite him to come back and participate. And it was fast-paced and it was hard to keep up with him, but it was also filled with so much love and beautiful moments. Shes a good one, such a blessing to our family. [118], Dantzel Nelson died unexpectedly at their home in Salt Lake City on February 12, 2005, at age 78. And there was a high expectation that we would be an eternal family. And we go to pull this massive wire out of the box and the whole bundle of wires comes out in the shape of a box. But we, we had him come over for dinner. After 20 months in service, he left active duty at the rank of captain. Sarah Jane Weaver: Yeah, Ive heard him say it, too. Sometimes, it was keeping Daddy from sleeping. The Nelsons have nine daughters, and then one son so your memories of him would be a little different. And even so, he was going to do what he was called on to do and I knew he loved her and was grieving. So when mother sang in the choir, I must have been, I dont know, 7 or 8 or something. "[112][113] The Bureau added that the church's plans were "wishful thinking, not based in reality. Sarah Jane Weaver: And since were on the topic, Im interested in knowing how your father treated your mother. [64], Nelson's only son, Russell M. Nelson Jr., served as an LDS missionary in Russia. Number two, he would look around to turn off any electrics, that were extra, you know, like the TV or more lights than he felt should be on. I said, How can you walk away from that that was your life? Its been five years since President Nelson was sustained and set apart on Jan. 14, 2018, as the Churchs 17th President. And there was a high expectation that we would be an eternal family and we were going to be working together to see how we could get that goal accomplished. Thanks to our guests, to my producer, KellieAnn Halvorsen, and others who make this podcast possible. President Nelson did not push his children one way or another in their career choices. Mother was a beautiful singer. Before holding his babies, the world-renowned heart surgeon had something of a routine when he came home each day, Marsh remembers. That doesnt sound like fun at all now as an adult, but somehow he made it seem like it was something that obviously, it needed to be done. We have strong testimonies and gratitude that the Lord has blessed us with prophets to have that guidance in our lives., Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. He tended to walk through their home, turning off extra lights or the television, before sitting down to dinner with the family. [129], Media related to Russell M. Nelson at Wikimedia Commons. This was highlighted by shortening the length of Sunday church meetings to 2-hours from the previous 3-hours. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You probably came into a little more chaotic home than, than the average son. It was probably 10 years ago that he taught Katie how to AirDrop photos. [18][19][20], Nelson served a two-year term of duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War, and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Prophet, physician, husband and father: A look at the life of President Nelson, 98 statements of counsel from President Nelson in honor of his 98th birthday, Church News podcast, episode 118: Three of President Russell M. Nelsons children celebrate his 5 years as prophet, offering a glimpse into his role as a father, Invitations President Nelson has given since he became Prophet, President Russell M. Nelsons prophetic ministry: 5 years of historic leadership, revelation and invitations, A fulness of joy: President Nelson shares message of eternal life at his daughters funeral, President Nelsons family gathered virtually to celebrate his birthday and hear his hopes for them, The 2 things President Nelson wants his family to know this Christmas, President Nelson is now a great-great grandfather. Our potential is unlimited. We were serving in Nauvoo when the sister just older than I am, passed away, Wendy, that was just before they went to Paradise, California. [114] Together they had ten children: nine daughtersMarsha, Wendy (19512019),[115] Gloria, Brenda, Sylvia, Emily (19581995),[116] Laurie, Rosalie, and Marjorieand a son, Russell Jr. (b. [105] His travels have been punctuated by several temple dedications, most notably the Rome Italy Temple in March 2019, which was attended by all current members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This is the way we treat this person, you know. President Russell M. Nelson with daughter Sylvia Webster and three great-grandchildren. Petersen. He knew everything, he said. Laurie Marsh: You know, nothing that my dad does surprises me, nothing. And, you know, he knew decades before I did that there was such a thing as AirDropping photos, and he taught our daughter and we didnt even know there was such a thing. His 10th child and only son was born two months after his first grandson. 1972). Russell M. Nelson Jr.: He is. In Minnesota, he served as what was then known as Sunday School Superintendent in his local congregation. [38][39] He later served as a stake president in Salt Lake City from 1964 to 1971, with fellow future apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin serving as his second counselor. Nelson became a noted heart surgeon and served as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Utah Medical Association.[6]. In Massachusetts, Nelson was the secretary for the adult Aaronic priesthood organization in his Boston-area branch. He next served as member of the Bonneville Stake YMMIA superintendency (a position roughly equivalent to a modern counselor in the stake young men's presidency) and then as a counselor in the bishopric of the Garden Park Ward. Monson. Nothing is ever too hard, just have faith in the Lord, do your best, and everything is going to be OK, she said. He then did his medical residency and earned a PhD at the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the research team developing the heart-lung machine that in 1951 supported the first ever human open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. And so, yeah, he had a really good way of making very mundane and plain things feel like it was great to do and great to do together. So for me, its not been anything different. His law is written in our hearts. When he was home, it was time for the family.. is russell m nelson a vegetarian. You get more joy from letting other people have that experience than you do from having that experience yourself. And I thought that was such a beautiful sentiment. You just dont hear him say that. Music was something we love to do together, Irion said. And so after they were married, they lived in her home for a little bit. [67] In 1995, Nelson went to Beijing, along with Neal A. Maxwell and other LDS Church leaders, on an official invitation of Li Lanqing, the Vice Premier of China.[68].