Long time radio legend Casey Kasem has died from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. His daughter Kerri Kasem tweeted out the sad news on Twitter (@kerrikasem).
“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. With love, Kerri, Mike and Julie.”
Kasem will be most remembered for his work in counting down the hits on AT Top 40. Kasem was also an air-personality for the Armed Forces Radio Network. He also work for a time in Cleveland, Ohio before finding fame in Los Angeles with the launch of American Top 40.
KASEM was heard on numerous commercials and on the NBC-TV promos in the 1980s. But he was predominantly known as the voice of SHAGGY on the SCOOBY-DOO cartoons, a role he maintained for 40 years.
In 1985, KASEM was inducted into the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME.
He is survived by a second wife, actress JEAN KASEM, a daughter, LIBERTY, and three children, MIKE, JULIE, and KERRI from his first marriage. KASEM’s final months were marred by legal disputes between family members.
In his goodbye to radio fans in 2009, KASEM said, “Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You’re only as good as the people you work with and the people you work for. I’ve been lucky, I’ve worked for and with the very best.”
