We lost a legend today.
The original voice of the “American Top 40 countdown,” Casey Kasem, passed away this morning, after losing his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.
Suffering the tragic loss of her dad, on Father’s Day no less, Kasem’s daughter Kerri spoke out via Facebook, assuring the public that he was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing at 82-years-old.
According to TMZ, Kerri wrote:
“Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken.”
The site continues:
Casey was suffering from advanced Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. His wife Jean Kasem moved him to a convalescent home in Santa Monica a few months ago.
Kasem – who founded the “American Top 40 Countdown” in 1970 was succeeded by host Ryan Seacrest after stepping down in 2004. Ryan had this to say in a statement about his idol’s death:
“It’s a sad day for the broadcasting community and for radio listeners around the world. When I was a kid, I would listen to Casey Kasem’s ‘AT40′ show every weekend, and dream about someday becoming a radio DJ. So when decades later I took over his ‘AT40′ countdown show, it was a surreal moment. Casey had a distinctive friendly on-air voice, and he was just as affable and nice if you had the privilege to be in his company,” says Seacrest, adding, “He’ll be greatly missed by all of us.”
We are sad to see Casey Kasem go, and we pray that his family is able to get through this difficult time.
SOURCE: TMZ, Gossip Cop | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
