Civil Rights Activist And Son Of Prominent Civil Rights Leader Dies At 62

One week ago, we were celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now, there is sad news for the King family. Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Martin Luther King, Jr., has died at the age of 62 years old.

According to an announcement from The King Center to PEOPLE, Dexter’s death followed a “valiant battle with prostate cancer.”

In the statement to PEOPLE, Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber King, shared that her husband “transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu.” She added, “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.”

The King Center credited Dexter as “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.” Dexter was only 7 years old when his father died. 

Dexter looked a lot like his father and even portrayed him in the TV movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” The King Center explained that Dexter moved to California to pursue acting but eventually “family duty called and he answered.”

Dexter’s older brother, Martin Luther King III, shared the sad news of his brother’s death on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The sudden shock is devastating.” He requested prayers for “the entire King family” and especially Leah.