LDS Church will celebrate President Monson's 85th birthday with gala on Aug. 17

SALT LAKE CITY —The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will celebrate the 85th birthday of its prophet/leader, President Thomas S. Monson, with "Golden Days: A Celebration of a Life," a gala musical event scheduled for Friday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. in the church's Conference Center downtown.

President Monson's 85th birthday is Aug. 21.

According to a press release issued by the church Friday morning, the evening will "take a nostalgic look back at President Monson's illustrious life from his childhood, marriage and stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II to his decades of service (in the church)."

The gala program will feature "beloved Broadway selections and other favorites" presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square and "notable guest artists," who will be announced later.

Former BYU and NFL football great Steve Young and former news anchor and author Jane Clayson Johnson will share duties as master of ceremonies for the event.

Young said it is a "privilege to play a small part in (this) recognition."

"President Monson has served other people all his life," Young said. "I know he's more comfortable in that role than having any accolades focused on him. This celebration is a great way to let him know how much he is loved and appreciated."

"So many around the world have been influenced by President Monson's warmth, compassion and genuine love of people," Johnson added. "We celebrate and honor his extraordinary life of service and leadership."

Free tickets for the celebration are required. Because of the expected high demand, tickets will be distributed through a random selection process. Those interested in receiving tickets have two ways of registering. Beginning Saturday, June 16, at 12:01 MDT they can register online at www.lds.org/events. They can also register via telephone at 801-570-0080 (local) or 1-866-537-8457.

Registration for tickets will remain open through Monday, June 25, at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Those selected will be notified via email on Thursday, July 5. Not all who register will receive tickets, and only one registration per household can be accepted. The maximum number of tickets that a household may request is four.

Standby tickets will be available on the day of the event.

The program will also be shown over the church satellite system on Saturday, Aug. 18, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world. It will be rebroadcast in its entirety on BYUtv on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m.; and Monday Aug. 20, at 3 a.m. All times are MDT.