Legendary Broadcaster Casey Kasem Dead at Age 82
After over a month of reporting on the disappearance and health of Casey Kasem, the legendary broadcaster has passed away at the age of 82. Kasem died on Sunday morning at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Gig Harbor Washington on June 15, 2014. The ‘Top 40’ personality was taken off life support.
The broadcaster suffered from a progressive form of dementia known as Lewy Body Disease. On June 11, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Kasem’s daighter could resume end of life proceedings, withholding food, fluids and medication, on the understanding that he was mentally incapacitated and life support would only prolong his life.
His death on Sunday was after several years of feuding between his second wife and children. In October of 2013, Kasem’s children claimed that Jean, his wife, wouldn’t allow them to see there father. It was severe enough that it was taken to court, which resulted in a ruling that allowed visitation.
Kasem will best be known for being the host of ‘America’s Top 40’ radio show, which he hosted from 1970 to 1988 and again from 1998 to 2004. He would eventually past the hosting duties on to Ryan Seacrest. He also provided the voice for many animated TV shows and cartoons including Scooby Doo’s pal, Shaggy. Kasem officially retired from radio at the age of 1977 in 2009.
RIP
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