A Heroic Battle with Serious Illness: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Youngest Son, Dexter Scott King, Passes Away at 62

The King Center solemnly announced the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights legends Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, at the age of 62. Dexter, who bravely battled prostate cancer, passed away in his sleep at his Malibu home, leaving a poignant legacy that closely mirrors the civil rights ideals his father so fervently advocated.

Leah Weber King, his wife of 11 years, remembered Dexter as a man of immense courage, who faced life’s challenges, including his battle with what she termed a “terrible disease,” with remarkable strength and resolve.

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 King. pic.twitter.com/m66arGAifN

— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) January 22, 2024

Taking Responsibility Early On

Dexter, a mere child of seven when his father was tragically assassinated in 1968, later stepped into his father’s shoes as the chairman of the King Center. In this role, he zealously worked to safeguard and further his father’s monumental legacy. Dexter, born on January 30, 1961, and named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, pursued education at Morehouse College and even depicted his father in the 2002 film “The Rosa Parks Story.”

Martin Luther King III, Dexter’s brother, conveyed the family’s profound shock and grief at this sudden loss, calling for prayers in these trying times.

Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center and Dexter’s sister, shared her deep sorrow, seeking strength to navigate this heart-wrenching period. The King Center’s tribute to Dexter on social media honored his contributions to civil rights and humanitarian efforts.

Dexter’s journey, as he once shared in a CNN interview, was one of navigating the expectations of being Dr. King’s son and carving his own path. As the president, chairman, and CEO of the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and co-author of “Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir,” he offered unique insights into his family life and his father’s influence.

Dexter’s early years were shadowed by the civil rights struggle and the violence that threatened his family. Reflecting on the traumatic period following his father’s assassination, Dexter emphasized the lasting impact of his parents’ teachings on him and his siblings. His life story stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the enduring power of a legacy rooted in the fight for justice and equality.