WASHINGTON—Radio legend Casey Kasem, 82, the host of “American Top 40” and the popular voice actor passed away on Sunday, June 15 in the presence of family. No exact cause of death was given, but according to reports Kasem was battling dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
In recent months, Kasem’s family have been battling over his health as reports surfaced that his wife Jean, was keeping Kasem’s three children from a previous marriage from seeing their father. His daughter Kerri was granted a conservatorship on May 12, 2014 against Jean’s wishes in regards to the care of her father. Jean had her husband moved to a facility in Washington where he spent his final days.
The radio DJ was known by many for creating “American Top 40” in 1970, as well as spinoffs “American Top 20” and “American Top 10.” He hosted Top 40 from 1970-1998 and then again from 1998-2004. Many may remember Kasem as a voice actor, who voiced the character of ‘Shaggy’ from the cartoon series “Scooby Doo” from 1967-1997.
Born Kemal Amin Kasem in Detroit, MI in 1932, Casey attended NorthwesternHigh School and graduated from Wayne State University. His radio career started in Flint, MI in the 50s before he was drafted by the Army and sent toKorea. He later returned back to the states and had bit parts in commercials and radio before creating “American Top 40.”
His daughter Kerri, released the news of her father’s passing on Facebook on Sunday writing, “Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends. 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.”
Celebs went to Twitter to react to the news of Kasem’s passing. Radio host and television personality Ryan Seacrest who wrote, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. We’ll miss you, Casey,” tweet Seacrest.
Kasem is survived by his wife, Jean and his four children.
