Dexter Scott King: Youngest son of Martin Luther King Jr dies at 62 following a long battle with cancer
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the legendary civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr and his wife Coretta Scott King, died on Monday, January 22, at the age of 62.
He had been fighting prostate cancer for a long time. His family and The King Center confirmed his death and asked for prayers.
Where did Dexter Scott King die?
Dexter died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California, with his wife Leah Weber King by his side, the King Center announced according to multiple reports.
The statement said had a "valiant battle" with prostate cancer as died on 22 January, 2024.
"He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu," Leah Weber King, his wife of 11 years said.
“He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might," Leah said in the statement.
His siblings, Dr Bernice A King and Martin Luther King III, expressed their grief and shock over his death.
Dr King, who is CEO of The King Center, said, “Words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.”
His brother Martin Luther King III said, “The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”
Dexter Scott King: A life dedicated to preserving his father’s legacy
Dexter was born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father had his first ministry.
He witnessed his father’s assassination in 1968 when he was only seven years old. He grew up in the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather was the pastor.
He attended Frederick Douglas High School and Morehouse College, following his father’s footsteps.
Dexter took on the responsibility of protecting his father’s intellectual property and ensuring that his legacy lives on.
He served as the Chairman of The King Center and the President of the King Estate.
He was an expert in intellectual property law and licensing, and he worked hard to honor his father and mother’s memory, the King Centre noted in their tribute, as Fox 5 reported.
Dexter Scott as an artist
Dexter had a passion for the creative arts and moved to California to pursue an acting career. He played his father in the 2002 TV movie 'The Rosa Parks Story.'
He was modest about his striking resemblance to his father and did not seek fame or fortune. He balanced his artistic pursuits with his family obligations and remained faithful to his father’s vision.
