The King Center has announced the untimely passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. At the age of 62, Dexter succumbed to a valiant battle with prostate cancer at his home in Malibu on January 22, as confirmed by the King Center.
Dexter Scott King, a dedicated guardian of his father’s legacy, transitioned peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a profound impact on the civil rights movement and intellectual property protection. His best friend and wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King, expressed the depth of his struggle and ultimate peaceful departure, stating, “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.”
The news of Dexter’s passing has sent shockwaves through the community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from family, friends, and admirers alike. Reverend Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, expressed her grief, saying, “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.” Martin Luther King III added, “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.”
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Dexter Scott King inherited the mantle of his father’s legacy from a young age. He was only seven when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968. Dexter followed in his father’s footsteps, attending Morehouse College in Atlanta and dedicating his life to preserving and protecting the intellectual property his father left behind.
Dexter’s commitment to his father’s work extended to serving as the Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate at the time of his passing. He became well-versed in intellectual property law, ensuring the legal protection of Dr. King’s legacy. Notably humble about his uncanny resemblance to his father, Dexter portrayed him in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.”
Beyond his legal pursuits, Dexter Scott King harbored a love for the creative arts and initially pursued a career in acting upon relocating to California. However, family duty called, and he spent the rest of his life balancing his passion for the arts with his responsibilities to the King family legacy.
Dexter Scott King is survived by his loving wife Leah Weber King, sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, brother Martin Luther King III, and niece Yolanda Renee King. The King family has requested privacy during this time, with plans for a press conference scheduled on Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
A memorial service to honor Dexter Scott King’s life will be announced at a later date, allowing friends, family, and admirers to come together and pay their respects to this remarkable individual who dedicated his life to upholding the ideals of justice, equality, and his father’s enduring legacy.
