Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a senior leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is expected to become the next Church President following the death of President Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025. At 93, he would assume this role based on his seniority among the apostles. While he is widely known for his religious leadership, his personal life reveals a story of profound love, family, and resilience shaped by both joy and tragedy.
His life has been marked by two deep marriages, first to June Dixon for nearly five decades, and after her passing, to Kristen McMain. His family includes six kids from his first marriage, and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, is a beloved speaker who often shares her experiences and faith, particularly with young single adults.
A Lifelong Partnership with June Dixon
Dallin H. Oaks met his first wife, June Dixon, while they were both students in Provo, Utah. He was a freshman at Brigham Young University working as a radio announcer for a high school basketball game when he was introduced to June, a high school senior from Spanish Fork who was on the drill team. Their courtship began after he offered her a ride home following a subsequent game. The couple was married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 24, 1952.
Together, they raised a family of six children. During the early years of their marriage, while Dallin was in law school, they had very little money, but June was a constant source of support, raising their kids and managing the home without complaint. Elder Oaks has often credited June for his successes, noting that she “just brought out the best in me” and kept him from becoming “pompous and self-important.” Their partnership lasted for 46 years until June’s death from cancer on July 21, 1998.
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A New Chapter with Kristen Oaks
After June’s passing, a new chapter began for Elder Oaks. Following his wife’s wishes and with the encouragement of his daughters, he began to consider remarrying so he would not be alone. After seeking guidance through prayer, he was introduced to Kristen Meredith McMain, an educational adviser and professor at BYU. The couple was married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 25, 2000.
Sister Kristen Oaks has become a well-known figure in her own right, often speaking about her experiences being single for many years before her marriage. She has expressed empathy for those who are waiting to find a companion, sharing that she knows “how the wait for a worthy companion feels, and the longing and heartache and tears on my pillow that often accompanied it.” Now, she and President Oaks are a team in their ministry. She frequently accompanies him on his travels, such as a recent devotional for members across Europe in July 2025, and she speaks at events like the 2025 Utah Area Young Single Adult conference, where she shared truths to help others in their spiritual walks.
While the specific names and ages of his children are not detailed in the sources, it is clear that his loved ones are central to his life. He is a father of six and a grandfather. His family’s story is one of faith, commitment, and moving forward with hope through life’s unexpected turns.
