‘He puts God first’: President Oaks’ daughter speaks on his religious ministry

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Dallin H. Oaks has been called as the 18th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His daughter spoke about her father’s faith and religious experiences.

Jenny Oaks Baker is known as a violinist and music producer who has performed on stages like Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center and who has been nominated for a Grammy, according to her website. She is also known for her musical covers of religious songs and is the daughter of Dallin H. Oaks.

President Dallin H. Oaks was chosen and sustained as the 18th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking over after President Russell M. Nelson passed away on September 27, 2025.

The announcement was made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier today during a press conference. Jenny Oaks Baker says she learned that her father had been chosen at the same time as the rest of the world, though it was reportedly expected based on his seniority.

“I didn’t even know when the press conference would be. We knew, of course, with the seniority and the way that things work in the church, so it was an expected occurrence,” Baker expressed. “But I’m still processing what this means. I’m just hopeful that I can be as supportive as possible and honor my covenants with God.”

For Baker, her father’s call to lead the church reflected his religious work, which has been a constant throughout her life.

“I was nine years old when my dad was called to be an apostle, so most of my memories have been him in this position,” Baker said. “I don’t know how things will change now that he’s the prophet, but I know that my dad has always put God first and encouraged his posterity to do so.”

Oaks has been in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the church since 1984, and Baker says he has always emphasized and testified about his religious beliefs throughout his life.

“I know that he’s just tried to share whatever he’s been inspired by God to share,” she said, also stating that his integrity as a leader has prepared him for his new role. “He is just completely trustworthy and really always tries to do what’s right. He doesn’t have a personal agenda. He just wants to do what God would have him do, and so, I just love that.”

As for her personal testimony, Jenny Oaks Baker shared the following.

“I’m so grateful for all the prophets that I’ve been able to follow throughout my life, and I’m just so grateful that we do have a prophet on this earth today that we can follow and trust, and everything will work out.”