ATLANTA - The King Center has reported the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and third child of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
On January 22, at the age of 62, King succumbed to prostate cancer after a courageous battle, as confirmed by the King Center. According to his best friend and devoted wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King, he peacefully transitioned in his sleep at their home in Malibu. She expressed his relentless fight against the disease, facing it with bravery and determination until the end.
Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center and Dexter's sister, expressed her heartbreak over losing another sibling and requested prayers for strength during this challenging time. Martin Luther King, III, Dexter's brother, added that the sudden shock was devastating, acknowledging the difficulty of finding the right words in such a moment and asking for prayers for the entire King family.
Born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961, Dexter Scott King 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. Growing up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather served as pastor, he attended Frederick Douglas High School, engaging in football and various school organizations. Following in his father's footsteps, he pursued his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
The scion of civil rights icons assumed the responsibility of upholding his father's legacy by safeguarding the legal aspects of his work. Devoting his life to perpetuating his father’s influence, he focused on safeguarding the intellectual property (IP) left by his father. At the time of his passing, Dexter held the positions of Chairman at The King Center and President of the King Estate. His extensive knowledge of intellectual property law and its management and licensing was a testament to his commitment to the entrusted task and the memory of his parents.
Despite bearing an uncanny resemblance to his father, he remained modest about it and even portrayed him in the 2002 television movie "The Rosa Parks Story." Initially drawn to a career in acting when he moved to California, family duty compelled him to strike a balance between his love for the arts and his responsibilities to the King family legacy. In July of 2013, he privately tied the knot with Leah Weber, his best friend and longtime partner. Leah, a New Orleans native, former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant, joined him in building a life marked by love, support, and unwavering commitment, reminiscent of Dexter’s parents.
Preceded in death by his father (1968), mother (2006), and sister Yolanda (2007), Dexter is survived by his devoted wife of 11 years, 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 requests privacy during this challenging time and will address media inquiries following a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
Details about a memorial service will be communicated at a later date.