Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away on January 22 at the age of 62. He died after battling prostate cancer. Dexter was born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961, and was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
He grew up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and attended Frederick Douglas High School and Morehouse College. He played football and was involved in various school organizations.
Dexter served as Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate, focusing on preserving his father’s legacy and managing intellectual property.
He portrayed his father in the 2002 TV movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” In July 2013, he married Leah Weber King, a former broadcast journalist and entrepreneur.
He was preceded in death by his father (1968), mother (2006), and sister Yolanda (2007). He is survived by his wife Leah Weber King, sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, brother Martin Luther King, III, and niece Yolanda Renee King.
The King family has requested privacy and will hold a press conference on January 23 at The King Center. A memorial service will be announced later.