Atlanta, January 23, 2024 — Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22 at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. The King Center, founded by his mother, Coretta Scott King, confirmed his demise and shared that he transitioned at home in Malibu with his wife, Leah Weber King, by his side.
Dexter King, born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, dedicated his life to preserving and legally protecting his father’s work. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended Morehouse College and became deeply involved in managing and licensing his father’s intellectual property. He served as both Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate at the time of his passing.
A multifaceted individual, Dexter also pursued a passion for the arts, featuring in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story” where he portrayed his father. Despite initially aspiring to a career in acting in California, family duties called him back to Atlanta, where he continued to balance his love for the arts with his responsibilities to the King family legacy.
In a private ceremony in July 2013, Dexter married Leah Weber, a former broadcast journalist and entrepreneur. The couple built a life together marked by love and support, mirroring the devotion of Dexter’s parents.
The news of Dexter King’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from various figures, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the Atlanta City Council, and the Georgia NAACP. Colleagues, friends, and fellow civil rights activists remember Dexter Scott King for his tireless efforts in advancing civil rights, equality, and justice.
A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall. The King family has requested privacy during this time, with further details on a memorial service to be announced later.