Dexter Scott King, Son of Martin Luther King Jr., Passes Away at 62
Atlanta, Georgia – The King Center has announced the heartbreaking news of the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and third child of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Dexter, aged 62, lost his battle with prostate cancer on January 22. His wife of 11 years and best friend for 21 years, Leah Weber King, shared that he peacefully transitioned in his sleep at their home in Malibu.
Leah Weber King, grieving the loss of her husband, expressed admiration for Dexter’s strength and bravery in fighting against the disease. “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.
The news of Dexter’s passing has left his family devastated. His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, expressed the immense heartbreak she feels from losing another sibling. “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time,” she said. His brother, Martin Luther King III, added that the sudden shock of Dexter’s passing is devastating for the family and asked for prayers during this trying time.
Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta. He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as a pastor. At the young age of seven, Dexter tragically witnessed the assassination of his father in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Growing up in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where his grandfather was a pastor, he followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Frederick Douglas High School and later Morehouse College.
While Dexter initially pursued a career in acting in California, he eventually dedicated his life to continuing his father’s legacy and protecting his intellectual property. Dexter served as both Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate, using his expertise in intellectual property law to safeguard his father’s work.
Despite his striking resemblance to his father, Dexter remained humble. In fact, he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” Alongside his dedication to the King family legacy, Dexter had a deep love for the arts. He managed to balance his passion for acting with his responsibilities to his family.
In July 2013, Dexter married Leah Weber, his best friend and longtime partner. Leah, a New Orleans native and former broadcast journalist, brought love, support, and unconditional love into Dexter’s life, mirroring the relationship between his parents.
Dexter joins his father (1968), mother (2006), and sister Yolanda (2007) in eternal rest. He is survived by his loving and 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 has requested privacy during this difficult time but plans to hold a press conference at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall on Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m. to address media inquiries. Details about a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Dexter Scott King leaves behind a profound legacy as the torchbearer of his father’s work and the protector of his intellectual property. His contributions will forever be remembered as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.