Oct. 27, 2003: Radio broadcast legend Casey Kasem poses for photographers after receiving the Radio Icon award during The 2003 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas. (Photo: AP)
Radio broadcast legend, Casey Kasem, has died at age 82. Kasem’s unique voice and style set the industry standard for the Top 40.
Danny Deraney, publicist for Kasem’s daughter, Kerri Kasem, told the Associated Press that Kasem died Sunday morning.
Kasem’s “American Top 40” began on July 4, 1970, in Los Angeles. The No. 1 song on his first list was “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” by Three Dog Night.
“American Top 40” continued until his retirement in 2009, though it aired on various syndications and in various venues. In his final sign-off on each show, he famously told viewers the following optimistic message: “And don’t forget: keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
Kasem had suffered from Lewy Body disease, which was the subject of a recent public family battle between his second wife Jean and his three adult children from his first marriage. The family members argued over his health care and quality of life. It was just days ago that a judge granted his daughter, Kerri, the authority to withhold medication, fluids and food.
In the ruling handed down just last Wednesday, attorney Troy Martin said, Superior Court Judge Daniel Murphy decided that giving Casey Kasem food and fluids would be more harmful than good, and cause further pain and unnecessary pain to the 82-year-old Kasem.
Kerri Kasem initiated end-of life measures on June 6.
