Casey Kasem, an iconic and popular radio voice that connected millions of Americans died Sunday morning, June 15, 2014. He was eighty two.
Casey Kasem‘s daughter, Kerri Kasem, announced the news on her Facebook page and wrote: “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,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”
Casey Kasem was the host of radio’s American Top 40, which he started in 1970 and was known for his signature closing advice: “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” Over the years, he hosted other versions of the music countdown show on radio and television.
Casey Kasem had been in the news recently with his care, the focus of a litigious dispute between his wife, Jean Kasem, and his grown children. For a time earlier this year, his children did not know his whereabouts.
Casey Kasem, known for his sonorous voice and a member of the National Radio Hall Of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall Of Fame, served as a disc jockey and radio announcer while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and he began his professional radio career in the 1950s.
“For many, the multitalented Casey Kasem was the voice of popular music, and his long-running countdown program brought exposure for many of his fellow union members. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and may we all remember him best by ‘reaching for the stars,'” stated Ken Howard in his statement.
It was a sad day for the broadcasting community and for all the radio listeners around the world.
