Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away at 62 on Monday.
Dexter King died in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California after battling prostate cancer.
“The sudden shock is devastating,” Martin Luther King III, Dexter’s older brother, said in a statement. “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 7 years old when his father was assassinated, and became involved in supporting his family’s legacy as he got older. Coretta Scott King passed away in 2006.
Dexter King became a dedicated steward of his parents’ civil rights legacy and also served as chairman of The King Center in Atlanta.
A memorial service for Dexter King is expected be announced later, the King Center said.
Following Dexter King’s passing, the King family has planned a news conference on Tuesday.
More on the life and legacy of Dexter Scott King.
Blog dedicated to news and viewpoints from Black journalists who support, and inform, communities of color.
Original content, and curated articles, are posted and updated daily.