Dexter Scott King’s passing marks another tragic loss for the King family, following the deaths of his father in 1968, his mother in 2006, and his sister Yolanda in 2007. He leaves behind his 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 time of mourning. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall, where further details about a memorial service will be shared.
The passing of Dexter Scott King reminds us of the enduring impact of his father’s work and the ongoing responsibility to protect and uphold the legacy of civil rights. As we reflect on his life and contributions, we are inspired to continue the fight for equality and justice in our society.
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Dexter was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as a pastor. He was only seven years old when his father was tragically assassinated in 1968. Growing up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather was a pastor, Dexter followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Morehouse College.
Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and third child of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away on January 22 at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. The news of his death was announced by the King Center, stating that he transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home in Malibu. Dexter’s wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King, expressed her grief and admiration for her late husband, saying that he fought the disease with bravery and determination until the very end.
In 2013, Dexter Scott King married his best friend and longtime partner, Leah Weber, who is a former broadcast journalist and entrepreneur from New Orleans. Together, they built a life filled with love, support, and unwavering commitment, much like Dexter’s parents.
The loss of Dexter Scott King has left his family devastated. His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, shared her heartbreak and requested prayers for strength during this difficult time. His brother, Martin Luther King III, expressed his shock and devastation, acknowledging the challenge of finding the right words to convey their grief. The entire King family is in need of support and prayers as they navigate this profound loss.
Despite his uncanny resemblance to his father, Dexter remained humble about his physical similarities. He even portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” While he initially pursued a career in acting in California, Dexter was called back to fulfill his family responsibilities and spent the rest of his life balancing his love for the arts with his duties to the King family legacy.
Dexter Scott King dedicated his life to continuing his father’s legacy and protecting his intellectual property (IP). He served as Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate, demonstrating his commitment to preserving his father’s work. Dexter became well-versed in intellectual property law and its management and licensing to fulfill his duty to safeguard his father’s legacy.