The King Center is confirming the death of Dexter King, the youngest son and third child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King.
King died today, January 22, 2024, "after a valiant battle with prostate cancer", according to his wife Leah Weber King. “He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu (CA). 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."
Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, his sister and CEO of The King Center said “words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time”. His brother Martin Luther King, III added ‘‘the sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family."
Dexter King was born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961. He was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate. The 62 year old was seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, TN in 1968.
At the time of his death Dexter served as both Chairman of The King Center
and President of the King Estate.
He was preceded in death by his father (1968), his mother (2006) and sister Yolanda (2007). He is survived by his wife of 11 years Leah Weber King, his sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, his brother Martin Luther King, III, his niece, Yolanda Renee King and a host of immediate and extended family members.
The King Center has scheduled a news conference for 10:00 Tuesday morning.