ATLANTA — The King family held a conference Tuesday as they grieve the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
The King Center announced Monday that the 62-year-old died after a battle with prostate cancer at his home in California.
“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," his wife, Leah Weber King, said in a statement.
Before the press conference started, The King Center played a music video that Dexter executive produced for the King Celebration Song, written for his father and featuring many celebrities.
Dexter's sister, Bernice King, remarked that discussing the news was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do, fighting back tears from atop the podium, as she said, "appreciate your leadership and your love."
As she continued, Bernice talked about her brother's many accomplishments from photography, DJing, working in the Department of Corrections, and eventually taking over The King Center from their mother.
You can view the full news conference about his death in the video below.
Then she talked about how Dexter fought to preserve their father's legacy by protecting protecting the center's intellectual property long before many saw the importance of that. It's a strategy that paved the way for legislation that protects the work of creatives today.
"He was always very creative and innovative," Bernice stated. "He had a vision to build something that would bring my father to life through technology."
Even while they occasionally disagreed, Bernice said, "None of that destroyed our love and our respect for each other. I always admired his brilliant mind and his ability to innovate...I told him, you have the most strategic mind I know."
More on Dexter Scott King
Dexter King was born on Jan. 30, 1961, as Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s third child. The Kings named him after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate, according to a statement. Dexter King was only 7 years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
He attended Frederick Douglass High and followed in his father's footsteps by attending Morehouse College. For a time, he served as the Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate.
After the news of his passing, city leaders and other dignitaries offered condolences to the family.
“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," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.
Dexter King is survived by his wife, siblings Martin Luther King III and Dr. Bernice King, and other family members. The family said he was cremated Monday, and they are working on planning a celebration of life service.
In lieu of flowers, Dexter's wife and the family are encouraging people to make a donation to The King Center.