Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has passed away at the age of 62 after a battle with prostate cancer, according to statements from his family and the King Center.
The King Center, in a statement, confirmed that the civil rights activist died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California, surrounded by his wife, Leah Weber King.
Weber King expressed that Dexter “transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” adding, “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.”
Dexter, the third child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, married Weber King in 2013. He had no children of his own.
In a statement, Dexter’s older brother Martin Luther King III expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his brother, asking for prayers for the entire King family and particularly for Dexter’s wife.
“I am deeply saddened to share that my brother, Dexter Scott King, has passed away. The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber,” he said.
(TPLP/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The Rev. Al Sharpton also expressed his sadness at Dexter’s passing, noting that he takes comfort in the knowledge that Dexter is now reunited with his parents and sister.
Dexter’s mother, Coretta Scott King, passed away in 2006, followed by his sister Yolanda Denise King in 2007.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also offered his condolences to Dexter’s family, highlighting Dexter’s profound love for his family and his role as a guardian of his parents’ legacies.
“Dexter held various titles—Morehouse Man, humanitarian, Civil Rights activist, and even actor. However, above all, he was a devoted family man,” he said.
Dexter, who was just seven years old when his father was assassinated, had a life that was deeply intertwined with his father’s legacy.
A graduate of Morehouse College, Dexter had a notable career as the chairman of The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, a nonprofit organization founded by Coretta Scott King in the aftermath of her husband’s assassination. He also served as
