Dexter Scott King, the son of Martin Luther King Jr., has passed away at the age of 62. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The King Center has shared the news of Dexter Scott King’s passing. He was the youngest son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and he passed away at the age of 62 on January 22 after battling prostate cancer, as announced by the King Center. Our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time.
“He peacefully transitioned in his sleep at our home in Malibu,” shared Leah Weber King, who was not only his best friend for 21 years but also his wife for 11 years. She expressed, “He gave his all and fought against this challenging illness until the very end. Just like in all the tough times he faced, he showed great courage and strength.”
Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center and his sister, expressed her heartbreak, saying, “Losing another sibling is really tough. I’m praying for strength during this difficult time.” Martin Luther King III, his brother, added, “The sudden shock is devastating. Finding the right words at a moment like this is hard. Please keep our entire King family in your prayers.”
Born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate. He was the second-born son of Dr. & Mrs. King and was only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Like his father, he grew up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather served as pastor. He graduated from Frederick Douglas High School, actively participating in football and various school organizations. Later, he followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Dexter, the son of influential civil rights leaders, took on the crucial role of preserving his father’s legacy and safeguarding what he left behind. His primary focus was ensuring that his father’s work was legally protected. At the time of his passing, Dexter held positions as the Chairman of The King Center and the President of the King Estate. His in-depth understanding of intellectual property law, management, and licensing stemmed from his commitment to this responsibility and honoring his parents’ memory.
Despite his strong resemblance to his father, Dexter remained humble. He even portrayed his dad in the 2002 TV movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” Initially drawn to an acting career in California, he later returned to balance his passion for the arts with his responsibilities to his family’s legacy.
In July 2013, Dexter married his best friend, Leah Weber, a native of New Orleans and former journalist. Together, they shared a life filled with love and support, echoing the strong bond Dexter’s parents had.
Dexter’s father passed away in 1968, his mother in 2006, and his sister Yolanda in 2007. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leah Weber King, his sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, his brother Martin Luther King III, and his niece, Yolanda Renee King.
The King family is asking for privacy at this time and will address media inquiries after a planned press conference on Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
Tributes and Memories for Dexter Scott King:
Warm tributes and memories are pouring in to honor Dexter King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King. Atlanta Council member Michael Julian Bond, who grew up with Dexter in the same neighborhood, is finding it difficult to accept this sad news.