Bringing Her Father’s Legacy Home: Kerri Kasem’s Fight for Casey’s Remains
Kerri Kasem, daughter of the legendary radio host Casey Kasem, is determined to transport her father’s remains back to Los Angeles.
Known affectionately as the “King of the Top 40 Countdown,” Casey passed away in 2014 at the age of 82, after a protracted struggle with Lewy body dementia.
His widow, actress Jean Kasem, chose to lay him to rest in Oslo, Norway. Yet, many relatives and friends insisted that Casey had expressed a wish to find his final resting place in the iconic Forest Lawn cemetery, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles.
The Mission of Kasem Cares
Kerri, the driving force behind Kasem Cares, a devoted nonprofit organization, tirelessly advocates against elder abuse and the isolation of vulnerable seniors. Her brainchild, the “Visitation Bill,” aims to streamline the process for family members to seek court orders for visitation rights. This essential legislation has already been implemented in 12 states, with nine more adopting similar provisions.
“I can’t say there are plans right now, [but] it will happen,” Kerri shared with quiet determination. “I just can’t tell you when.”
“I can’t say there are plans right now, [but] it will happen.”
A Daughter’s Heartfelt Yearning
As a fellow radio host, Kerri firmly believes that her beloved father rightfully belongs in the city he called home for nearly six decades. She shares a multi-faceted feeling about his current resting spot, which she describes as “twofold.”
(Kim Kulish/Corbis via Getty Images)
“[Norway] is probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” Kerri reflected. “Yet, it’s not where my dad wanted to be. His final wish was to be interred in California, where he had lived for 58 years.”
With emotion echoing in her voice, the 52-year-old noted, “I guess there’s this beauty with a bit of anger.”
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As she approached his grave, Kerri felt a mixture of anticipation and sorrow. “I started to get a little shaky and emotional,” she recalled. “When I reached it, a sense of peace washed over me. I realized he’s not really there — he’s with me. Yet, I was upset by the reality that he lies in a place he didn’t choose. Friends and family wish to pay their respects.”
She shared her resolve, saying, “We’ll get him back. We’ll get him buried where he wanted to be, at Forest Lawn in California.”
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The Unraveling of Family Bonds
In 2019, amidst a tempest of legal battles, the Kasem family found themselves securing a settlement related to allegations of mistreatment in Casey’s final days.
The families jointly requested the dismissal of a wrongful death suit, which accused Jean of causing Casey’s death through neglect and emotional distress. This battle unfolded in the public eye, marked by claims from Casey’s children that their father’s second wife had cut them off from his life.
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Jean, known for her roles on “Cheers” and “Ghostbusters,” denied any wrongdoing. Her countersuit alleged that Casey’s children were driven by greed following financial estrangement in 2012. She argued that their actions inflicted emotional turmoil on both her and Casey. Both sides of the family firmly contested the other’s accusations.
This familial schism reached deeply into the aspects of Casey’s care and the decision-making surrounding his health in his last days. Investigations by authorities in California and Washington revealed no criminal behavior during Casey’s treatment.
(Suzi Pratt/Getty Images)
Reflections on Love and Loss
As Kerri weaves through the memories of her father, she battles on not just for him but for the many families facing similar struggles. Her work is personal, each letter she receives from others going through family disputes is a reminder of her own torment. “I can’t ignore them,” she said. “They need someone to understand what they are experiencing. Everyone involved with my organization has lived through this.”
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“I believe my father remains by my side,” Kerri reflected. “Something happened after he passed. The lights in my house flickered. Small signs assured me he was still near.” She knows that love transcends even death, something deeply comforting amidst her grief.
A Legacy of Compassion
Through her struggle, Kerri embodies the essence of compassion. She fights relentlessly to pass legislation that restores access to loved ones. Her mission is to eliminate the heartbreaking practice of isolating the elderly. “This occurs every day in America,” she said passionately. “It’s heartbreaking what families endure.” Her words resonate, a call to action for all.
Kerri remembers vividly the moment she recognized her father’s decline. “He kept forgetting things — a lot,” she recalled. The diagnosis of Lewy body dementia shifted their lives profoundly, yet amid it all, Casey never forgot his children. “He always knew who we were,” she affirmed.
In keeping Casey’s legacy alive, Kerri demonstrates an unwavering commitment to education and awareness. The world may have lost a beloved radio icon, yet Kerri’s work ensures that his spirit thrives through her advocacy and dedication.
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