Popular DJ Kasem, 82, Dies On Father’s Day
Icon radio personality Casay Kasem died Father’s Day at the age of 82. According to Kerri Kasem, her father suffered from advanced Parkinson’s disease.
She wrote on her page the following, “”Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends,” Kerri Kasem wrote. “Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our Dad.” With love, Kerri, Mike and Julie.
Kasem was born Kemal Amen Kasem in Detroit on April 27, 1932 to Lebanese-immigrated parents. He rose to fame as American Top 40’s host, which he hosted for 24 years – 1970 to 1988 and again 1998 and 2004. He also provided the memorable voice of Scooby-Doo’s character Shaggy.
He began his radio career while in high school and, when he was drafted into the military and sent to Korea, he became a DJ and announcer for the Armed Forces Radio Korea Network. Upon his return, he worked as a DJ for numerous radio stations throughout the United States – New York, Buffalo, Los Angeles, Cleveland, etc.
Kasem died just days after a judge allowed the withholding of fluids and foods in a long legal battle between his children and his current wife over his final wishes and care. Kasem has three children with his first wife Linda Myers, who he divorced in 1979 – Julie, Kerri and Mike. With second wife Jean, he had another daughter Liberty.
Back in October 2013, the kids, along with their uncle Mouner, alleged Jean was denying them access to see their dad and brother, who in 2006 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and not able to work without assistance and could not speak well. The children filed papers to get conservatorship over their dad’s healthcare in L.A. Superior Court.
The family reached a visitation agreement in December, but Jean fled with Kasem in May without any notification to his family about leaving. The children filed a missing person’s report on him. Kasem and Jean were found in Washington State.
There’s no doubt that millions of people around the world will remember the voice of Kasem, who they grew up listening to – in one form or another – and his signature sign-off message, “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.”
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Posted by News
on Jun 15 2014. Filed under Entertainment, New.
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