ATLANTA — Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and third child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has died at 62, The King Center announced Monday.
He died peacefully in his California home after a battle with prostate cancer, according to family members.
King was born in Atlanta in 1961 and named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as a pastor when the Montgomery bus boycott launched him into national prominence.
Many Georgia leaders and organizations are sending their condolences, reflecting on King's incredible legacy and mission to continue advancing his father's dream.
Read the full list of reactions below:
Rev. Dr. Bernice King, sister of Dexter King and CEO of The King Center
“Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time."
Martin Luther King III, brother of Dexter Scott King
"I am deeply saddened to share that my brother, Dexter Scott King, has passed away. The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular, Dexter's wife, Leah Weber."
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
“I stand with Atlanta and so many worldwide in grieving the loss of Dexter Scott King. His profound and unwavering love for his family positioned him as a guardian of his father and mother's legacies. Dexter held various titles—Morehouse Man, humanitarian, Civil Rights activist, and even actor. However, above all, he was a devoted family man. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Leah Weber King, Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, their entire extended family, and all who knew and loved him.”
Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond
"Our thoughts go out to his siblings, Marty and Bernice, and we want to give our deepest sympathies.
Dexter was a personal friend of mine. We grew up 2 houses from each other on Sunset Avenue. We grew up playing together, playing football, running in the alleyways and byways. We went to Douglas High School together, [and] Morehouse.
Dexter was a great, creative mind and had a great creative spirit. He led a lot of initiatives for the King Center prior to assuming the leadership..."
Atlanta and Georgia NAACP
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dexter Scott King on his passing. The Georgia NAACP and the Atlanta NAACP join the nation in mourning the loss of a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to advancing civil rights, equality, and justice.
Dexter Scott King's legacy is woven into the fabric of the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society. As the son of the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dexter carried forward his family's commitment to the principles of nonviolent activism and the pursuit of equality for all. His tireless efforts to promote social justice, civil rights, and community development have left an indelible mark on our nation.
During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dexter Scott King's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His passing is not only a loss to his loved ones but also to the broader community that benefited from his passion, vision, and commitment to justice.
As we reflect on Dexter's life, let us honor his memory by rededicating ourselves to the principles he championed. May we draw inspiration from his legacy as we continue the fight for equality, fairness, and the realization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of a beloved community. The Georgia NAACP and the Atlanta NAACP stand in solidarity with all those mourning Dexter Scott King's passing, and we offer our support during this challenging time. May his contributions to the civil rights movement serve as a beacon of hope for future generations.”
Atlanta City Council
“Dexter Scott King's life and contributions will leave a lasting impact on the legacy of the King family and the broader struggle for equality and justice. We express our sincere condolences to his wife Leah Weber King, Martin Luther King III, Dr. Bernice King, the King Center, and all who cherished him. His contributions to civil rights and his role as a member of Atlanta's beloved family will leave an indelible mark on our society. His memory will be a source of inspiration and may those in mourning find solace and comfort at this difficult time.”
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
"The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dexter Scott King, and we offer our deepest condolences to the King Family. Dexter King was a beautiful, talented and kind soul who continued the legacy of his parents and who also established a wonderful legacy of his own. He truly made a positive and marvelous impact on the lives of others. We pray for continued strength for his family and friends as they face this difficult time."
Georgia State Representative and chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Carl Gilliard
“We, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, offer our condolences on the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A graduate of Morehouse College, King worked as chairman of The King Center and president of the King Estate. As a friend to the King family, we ask that you please keep the entire King family in your prayers and, in particular, Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber.”
The Carter Center
"We send our love and deepest condolences to the King family on the passing of Dexter Scott King. His legacy as a humanitarian and Civil Rights activist lives on. May he rest in peace."
Spelman President Helene Gayle
"Spelman College is saddened to learn of the passing of Dexter King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King. Dexter King, like his father, was a Morehouse alumnus. He also served as chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
We extend sincere condolences to his loved ones and remaining siblings, Martin Luther King, III. and Spelman alumna Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, C’85. Our thoughts and prayers are also with his cousin, Dr. Angela Farris Watkins, C’86, professor of psychology here at Spelman. The Spelman community and Atlanta University Center have been enriched by the presence of the King family over many decades. We recently celebrated the life of Christine Farris King, C’48, Dexter’s aunt, and the College's longest-serving faculty member.
The Spelman College community is forever indebted to the King family for planting the mission of the Beloved Community in all our hearts, and we honor the many sacrifices made by the King family to make our country and world more equitable and just."