President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thomas S. Monson, died at the age of 90 on Tuesday evening at his residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, a news release from MormonNewsroom.org confirmed.

"He loved the cultures of the world, and deeply respected them. And particularly the faith of the people," President Henry B. Eyring, who served as first counselor in the First Presidency said after the news of his death broke on Tuesday.

As church tradition goes, the next longest-tenured member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church's governing body, becomes the next president. By that rule, Russell M. Nelson, 92, who is the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is most likely next in line to succeed Monson.

However, according to LDS church, Monson’s successor will not be officially chosen by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after his funeral.

Nelson became a member of the Twelve Apostles on April 7, 1984. He was appointed the president of the governing body by Monson on July 15, 2015.

Nelson was born to Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson in Sept. 9, 1924. Nelson received his Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Utah. He was an internationally renowned surgeon and medical researcher, who served his residency in surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded his PhD degree in 1954, according to his official profile.

Additionally, Nelson was also awarded honorary degrees of doctor of science from Brigham Young University in 1970, doctor of medical science from Utah State University in 1989, and doctor of humane letters from Snow College in 1994.

Before becoming a general authority of the church, Nelson wrote a number of chapters in various medical textbooks and other publications. He also lectured at and visited professionally many organizations throughout the United States and other nations.

Some of the awards that he received over the years are: Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Utah, the Heart of Gold Award from the American Heart Association, a citation for International Service from the American Heart Association, and the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.

Nelson was married to Dantzel White, who passed away in April 2006. They have 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and over 100 great-grandchildren.

Back in May, the church released a statement announcing Monson will no longer attend Church office meetings on a regular basis due to his aging health.

"Because of limitations incident to his age, President Monson is no longer attending meetings at the Church offices on a regular basis. He communicates and confers with his counselors on matters as needed. President Monson is grateful that the work of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues without interruption. He appreciates the prayers and support of Church members," read a statement released by the church.

Monson was hospitalized in early April when he was reportedly “not feeling well” due to extreme dehydration. He was released a few days later after receiving treatment in fluids.

Heidi Swinton, Monson's biographer told Fox 13 at the time that Monson had taken the conscious decision to scale back his duties because he knew his age would not allow him to continue with his daily activities at the church.

“I think his body is wearing out, and I think he knows that. And I think he recognizes what strength he can do, and what it can’t do,” said Swinton. She added: "I think that if we count the mileage on President Monson, we’d see that President Monson has been around the world so many times, and seen so many people, and it’s now showing up. It’s taking a little bit of a toll on him."

The next three men in line to succeed the prophet after Nelson are octogenarians — Dallin H. Oaks, 84, Russell Ballard, 88 and Robert D. Hales, 83.

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