Dexter Scott King, the 62-year-old son of Martin Luther King Jr., passed away. 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.
Malibu, California : “He peacefully transitioned in his sleep at our home in Malibu,” expressed Leah Weber King, his steadfast supporter and wife of 11 years and best friend of 21 years. “He devoted every ounce of strength, facing this formidable disease until the very end. Just as he tackled all challenges in his life, he confronted this hurdle with courage and resilience,” she remarked.
In a heartfelt statement, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, the CEO of The King Center and sister to the late Dexter Scott King, conveyed the profound sorrow she feels, expressing that words fall short in capturing the depth of her grief over the loss of another sibling. She earnestly sought strength to navigate through this exceptionally challenging period. Martin Luther King III, his brother, shared the devastating impact of the sudden shock, acknowledging the difficulty in finding the right words in such a moment. He humbly requested prayers for the entire King family during this trying time.
Statement from The King Center on the passing of Dexter Scott King: https://t.co/VWbIPxO5a1 pic.twitter.com/tTpoxjT8RK
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) January 22, 2024
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, he was given the name of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father embarked on his initial pastorate. As the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King, he experienced the tragic loss of his father at the tender age of seven when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Growing up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, akin to his father, he was immersed in the spiritual community where his grandfather served as the pastor.
Graduating from Frederick Douglas High School, he actively engaged in football and various school organizations. Following the legacy of his father, he pursued higher education at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
As the son of renowned civil rights figures, he took on the responsibility of upholding the legacy established by his father, particularly in legally safeguarding his work. His life was dedicated to the ongoing preservation of his father’s legacy and the protection of the intellectual property (IP) left behind. At the time of his passing, Dexter held the roles of Chairman at The King Center and President of the King Estate. His expertise in intellectual property law, as well as its management and licensing, was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the entrusted duty and the cherished memories of both his father and mother.
Despite his striking resemblance to his father, he remained modest about it and even portrayed him in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” Driven by a passion for the creative arts, he initially moved to California to pursue a career in acting. However, the call of family duty beckoned, and he willingly embraced a life that harmoniously balanced his love for the arts with his responsibilities to uphold the King family legacy.
In a private ceremony held in July 2013, he tied the knot with his best friend and longtime partner, Leah Weber. A New Orleans native, Leah is a former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant. Together, they crafted a life filled with love, unwavering support, and unconditional devotion, mirroring the enduring bond shared by Dexter’s own parents.
He preceded his father (1968), mother (2006), and sister Yolanda (2007) in death. Surviving him are 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.
