Martin Luther King Jr's Son, Dexter Scott King, Dies after Battle with Cancer
- Dexter Scott King, son of American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, is known for his uncanny resemblance to his father
- Dexter dedicated his life to continuing his father's legacy and legally protecting his intellectual property
- His wife, Leah Weber King, confirmed that he passed on peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with prostate cancer
Dexter Scott King, one of the sons of American rights activist Martin Luther King Jr and his wife, Coretta Scott King, has died at the age of 62.
Source: Getty Images
What killed Dexter Scott King?
Dexter died on Monday, January 22, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
He is known for his striking resemblance to his father, even playing the civil rights icon in the 2004 movie The Rosa Parks Story.
Initially, Dexter wanted to pursue a career in acting but opted to continue his father's legacy, dedicating his life to ensuring the legal protection of his intellectual property.
To that effect, he took over the leadership of the King Center, which was established to pay homage to Martin Luther King and has several exhibits illustrating his life and teachings.
“The son of the Civil Rights icons was the family member delegated to take on the mantle of continuing the precedent his father set by legally protecting his work. He devoted his life to the continued perpetuation of his father’s legacy," read a statement from the King center after Dexter's passing.
Confirming Dexter's passing, his wife, Leah Weber King, shared:
"He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu. 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."
Dexter's siblings also paid tribute to him, grieving his passing.
Dexter's siblings mourn him
Dexter's oldest surviving brother, Martin Luther King III, took to X to share news of his brother's passing, saying he was saddened and shocked.
Similarly, the youngest of Martin Luther's kids, Rev. Bernice King, mourned her brother, saying she was heartbroken.
Dexter is survived by his wife, sister, brother, niece Yolanda Renee King, and other extended family.
Designated Survivor star Adan Canto dies at 42
Separately, United States actor Adan Canto died on January 8 after a long battle with appendiceal cancer.
Canto, known for his roles in several hit series, including Designated Survivor, Narcos, Blood and Oil and X-Men: Days of Future Past, died at 42.
Following his death, his co-star Halle Berry, who cast him in the movie Bruised, took to her Instagram to eulogise him.
"I don't have the words just yet…. but my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart," she wrote.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
