The youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dexter Scott King died at the age of 62 at his home in California.
Dexter died after a “valiant battle with prostate cancer,” according to the King Center.
“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” says his best friend of 21 years, his strongest supporter, and wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King. “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,” she said.
His sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, stated “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.”
His brother 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.”
At the time of his death, Dexter served as both chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate.
At a private ceremony in July 2013, he married his best friend and longtime partner, Leah Weber, who is a New Orleans native, and former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant.
Together they built a life of love, support, and unconditional love, like his father and mother.
He is survived by his loving and 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 at this time and will respond to media inquiries following a press conference planned for Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
