ATLANTA - Dexter Scott King, the third child and youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, passed away, according to a statement released by the King Center.

Following a "valiant battle with prostate cancer," King passed away at the age of 62 on January 22 at his California home, according to the King Center.
"He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu," according to Leah Weber King, his wife of 11 years, closest friend of 21 years, and staunchest ally. "He fought this horrible illness until the very end, giving it everything he had. He overcame this obstacle with courage and strength, just like he did with all of his other struggles," she stated.

Words cannot explain the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling, according to his sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. I'm praying for the fortitude to get through this really trying moment." "The sudden shock is devastating," his brother Martin Luther King, III, continued. Finding the appropriate words in a situation like this is difficult. At this time, we kindly ask that you keep the King family in your prayers."

He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father held his first pastorate, and was born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961. He was just seven years old in 1968 when his father, the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King, was slain in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather was the pastor, just like his father. He was a football player and an active member of numerous other student organizations at Frederick Douglas High School, where he graduated. He subsequently proceeded to Morehouse College in Atlanta, following in his father's footsteps.
The family member tasked with carrying on his father's legacy of legally defending his creative output was his son, the civil rights icons. He committed his entire life to upholding his father's legacy and safeguarding the intellectual property (IP) he left behind. Dexter was president of the King Estate and chairman of The King Center at the time of his passing. He was able to become knowledgeable about intellectual property law, including management and licensing, because of his commitment to the assigned work and his parents' memories.


Acclaimed for his modesty regarding his striking likeness to his father, he played the role in the 2002 TV film "The Rosa Parks Story." The actor moved to California to seek a profession in acting since he had a passion for the creative arts. However, he obeyed the call of family duty and spent the remainder of his life juggling his love of the arts with his responsibilities to uphold the King family history.

He married his best friend and lifelong partner, Leah Weber—a native of New Orleans who has worked as a broadcast journalist, consultant, entrepreneur, and consultant—in a private ceremony in July 2013. Like Dexter's parents, they created a life together characterized by love, support, and unconditional love.

His mother (2006), sister Yolanda (2007), and father (1968) all passed away before him. Leah Weber King, his dedicated and loving wife of eleven years, her sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, her brother Martin Luther King, III, and her niece Yolanda Renee King all survive him.

The Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall of The King Center will host a press conference on Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m. The King family has requested privacy at this time and will address questions from the media afterward.

We'll make an announcement later about a memorial service.

Reminiscences and tributes to Dexter Scott King
To celebrate Dexter King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., tributes, remembrances, memories, and other well-wishes are being shared for the King family.

Michael Julian Bond, a member of the Atlanta Council, grew up alongside Dexter King. Growing up, they both played in the same neighborhood. He had a hard time processing the terrible news.

"First it was just shock and then disbelief," Bond stated.

He had a heavy heart.

Very depressing. It really shocks me," he remarked.
"We knew he had a health challenge but did not know it was serious as it turned out to be," he stated.

Bond grew up next to the Kings in just two houses.

"He was just a great guy, a warm personality," stated Bond.

"Just running and jumping in the street, using the tarmac to play football. Playing all day, riding bikes, and skating," he continued.

Others are honoring Dexter King in Atlanta and around the globe as well:

Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens:

"I join Atlanta and a plethora of people across the globe in lamenting the passing of Dexter Scott King. He was in a position to preserve the legacy of his mother and father because of his deep and unshakable love for his family. Dexter was known by many names, including actor, civil rights activist, humanitarian, and morehouse man. But above all, he was a loving husband and father. Martin Luther King III, his wife Leah Weber King, Dr. Bernice King, their entire extended family, and everyone who knew and loved him have my sincere condolences."

Atlanta City Council:

Dexter Scott King's life and efforts will have a long-lasting effect on the King family's history as well as the larger fight for justice and equality. We send our deepest sympathies to the King Center, Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, his wife Leah Weber King, and everyone who loved him. His involvement in the civil rights movement and his status as a valued member of Atlanta's family will have a lasting impact on our community. His memory will serve as an inspiration, and may the bereaved find peace and consolation at this trying time."

The NAACPs in Atlanta and Georgia:

We offer our sincere sympathies to Dexter Scott King's family, friends, and coworkers on his passing, with great grief and heavy hearts. The nation is grieving the passing of a magnificent person whose life was devoted to furthering equality, justice, and civil rights. The Georgia NAACP and the Atlanta NAACP are joining the national sadness.

One cannot separate the memory of Dexter Scott King from the continuous fight for a society that is more just and equal. Dexter continued his family's legacy of nonviolent activism and the pursuit of equality for everyone as the son of the renowned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. His unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights, social justice, and community development has had a profound impact on our country.


We send our warmest condolences to Dexter Scott King's family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of working with him during this trying time. In addition to his loved ones, the larger community that benefited from his enthusiasm, foresight, and dedication to justice also mourns his demise.

As we consider Dexter's life, let us pay tribute to him by recommitting to the values he supported. May his memory serve as a source of motivation for us as we carry on the struggle for justice, equality, and the fulfillment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a cherished community. The NAACPs of Georgia and Atlanta extend their condolences to the families of Dexter Scott King and offer our support to you during this difficult time. I believe that his efforts to the civil rights movement will act as a source of inspiration for upcoming generations.

Georgia Legislative Black Caucus chair Rep. Carl Gillard:

"The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus extends its sympathies on the demise of Dexter Scott King, the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s youngest son.

King, who attended Morehouse College, held positions as president of the King Estate and chairman of The King Center. We kindly request that you remember Dexter's wife, Leah Weber, and the entire King family in your prayers, as you are a friend of the King family."