Casey Kasem, the family friendly radio host of the radio music countdown show, “American Top 40,” died early Sunday morning, June 15th, in Gig Harbor, Washington at the age of 82. Kasem suffered from Lewy body dementia, a condition with symptoms that include memory loss and hallucinations, which he was diagnosed of in 2013.
Kasem’s second wife, Jean, whom he married in 1985, and his three children, of a previous marriage, had battled in court over how to handle Kasem’s medical treatment in his final days. His daughter Kerri contested to end the feeding and hydrating of her dying father, arguing that the continued treatment was harmful in his current condition.
“My father can no longer digest foods, and fluids fill his lungs up and will suffocate him,” Kerri said.
The judge awarded Kerri the right to take over his treatment, and granted Kasem end-of-life hospice due to the heightened state of sepsis, which was causing his body to shut down.
Kasem is remembered for his warm and smooth baritone voice, that sounded so upbeat and friendly viewers could imagine he was talking directly to them. In addition to his decades of disc jockey work, Kasem is remembered for his voice acting roles, such as Shaggy on “Scooby-Doo” and Batman’s sidekick Robin on “Super Friends.”
He never shied away from his sentimentality, and he would let his voice gush with emotion during his broadcast. He ended his shows saying, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
Kasem is survived by his wife and four children.
Photo: AP
Comment Template