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Tag: shaggy

  • Casey Kasem Dies at 82 on Father’s Day

    Casey Kasem, best known for his radio show American Top 40, passed away early on Father’s Day at the age of 82. His death was confirmed earlier on Sunday by his agent Don Pitts.

    Kasem’s children Kerri, Mike, and Julie Kasem issued a joint statement about their dad’s death that was released by Casey Kasem’s rep Danny Deraney.

    “Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends,” the statement reads. “Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken … The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our Dad.”

    Casey Kasem had been hospitalized in Washington state for the past two weeks following court proceedings that not only put his daughter in charge of his medical decisions but also gave her permission to tell the hospital to withhold food and water during his last days. Kasem’s current wife Jean Kasem challenged both of these decisions but was overruled. She stayed away from her husband during his last two weeks even though the Kasem children urged her to come and spend these last days with her husband.

    Casey Kasem was one of the creators of American Top 40 back in the 1970s. The first show aired on July 4, 1970. The show counts down the top radio hits of the week and is now hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest posted the following about his dear friend and mentor.

    Kasem also did many radio and TV commercials–lending his distinguished voice to countless products and events. He didn’t appear on screen, however. He also provided the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo franchise for many years.

    The American music world has lost a legend. Casey Kasem was many young music enthusiasts’ first voice on the radio, introducing them to a wealth of music and sharing tidbits about the bands and their songs. Fans are missing him already.

    An autopsy won’t be performed on Kasem since a doctor was present when he passed away. Daughter Julie Kasem plans to host a memorial celebration at her Northridge, Caifornia, home on Saturday June 21 for her father. No other funeral arrangements have yet been announced.

    Casey Kasem’s last months weren’t particularly peaceful ones, even though his children certainly had his best interests at heart. May he rest in eternal peace now that his battles on earth are over.

    Image via Twitter

  • Casey Kasem Fans Hold Birthday Vigil For Ailing Star

    Casey Kasem is everywhere. You may not know it yet, but you have heard his voice. Whether it was on the radio or as the voice of the original Shaggy; his voice has had an enormous impact on the nation. That’s why fans are celebrating the star’s 82nd birthday in any way they can.

    For those who follow all things Kasem, you will know that the star is not in the best of health as of late. His illness has no doubt made this latest birthday an unpleasant and fans wanting to wish him well can only do so from afar. They took to Twitter and Facebook to wish him well today, but those wanting to get a little closer can do so Sunday night at the hospital he’s staying at.

    Fans have thrown together what they’re calling a birthday vigil at the convalescent home where Kasem is currently held up at. The group plans to meet at the Berkley East Convalescent Hospital at 6 p.m. Sunday night. The vigil will last for an hour as fans show their support for the legendary star.

    Kasem’s daughter, Kerri, has even shown her support for the vigil and asked fans in the area to attend:

    Post by Kerri Kasem.

    Those who are unable to attend the vigil have left many positive messages on social media in celebration of Kasem’s life and career:

    Despite all the love pouring out from the fans, Kasem’s family is still in tatters. Last year, Kasem’s current wife was preventing his children and ex-wife from seeing him despite his condition getting worse. Accusations of mistreatment were thrown out by a judge and a settlement was reached that allowed his children to visit in some capacity. While his family is no doubt with him tonight, they would undoubtedly be touched if a lot of fans were to show up at the birthday vigil.

    Image via Michael Dean/YouTube

  • Kerri Kasem: Not Loving Visitation Agreement at All

    Kerri, Mike and Julie Kasem told the media in September that their father’s current wife was not allowing them to visit him.

    It got so bad that Casey Kasem’s ex-wife, children, friends and colleagues staged a protest in front of his home with signs declaring how much they miss and love Kasem.

    As Kasem’s Parkinson’s Disease worsened, the kids got more frantic to see him. They quickly decimated any public suspicions of seeking financial opportunities from their wealthy father; they were all trust fund recipients and now hold well-paying jobs. They are aware that they have already been cut out of the will since the new marriage and have accepted that.

    The Kasem offspring decided to take it a step further by bringing their concerns to the courts to request a conservatorship. According to the Associated Press, a settlement between the two parties has been reached to avoid that. The two younger siblings, Mike and Julie, are happy and relieved– but the eldest, Kerri Kasem is not.

    As the settlement was announced Friday, Kerri Kasem remains dissatisfied. The settlement terms are not publicized, but Kerri wishes to find an agreement that allows her to visit her father without some of those restrictions placed.

    What do you think: Is this a case of the younger, wicked step-mother trying to protect her name in the will, or a case of a wife knowing what’s best for her ailing husband? It is hoped that the affairs swirling around Casey Kasem are not causing extra distress for him as he deals with a debilitating illness.

    Image via Youtube