Kerri Kasem, daughter of the late radio icon Casey Kasem, is continuing her efforts to have her father's remains moved from Norway to Los Angeles.
According to a recent report by Fox News, Kerri remains committed to fulfilling what she claims was her father's final wish to be buried in California, where he lived for nearly six decades.
Casey Kasem, known as the "King of the Top 40 Countdown," passed away in 2014 at the age of 82 after battling Lewy body dementia. Following his death, his widow, actress Jean Kasem, had his body transported to Oslo, Norway, for burial. This decision sparked a dispute among family members, with some asserting that Casey had expressed a desire to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles.
Kerri Kasem, who founded the nonprofit organization Kasem Cares to advocate against elder abuse and isolation, remains steadfast in her mission to bring her father's remains back to the United States. When asked about plans to repatriate Casey's body, Kerri told Fox News Digital, "Eventually. I can't say there are plans right now, [but] it will happen. I just can't tell you."
The 52-year-old radio host recently visited her father's grave in Oslo for the first time since his passing. She described the experience as emotional, stating that while she felt a sense of peace, she also experienced frustration over the burial location.
Kerri expressed her conviction that her father belongs in Los Angeles, saying, "His final wish was to be buried in California, where he had been living for 58 years."
The Kasem family has been embroiled in legal conflicts since Casey's death. In 2019, family members settled dueling lawsuits that involved allegations of mistreatment and neglect. The settlement dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit filed by three of Casey's children and his brother against Jean Kasem, as well as a countersuit filed by Jean and another daughter.
These legal battles were part of a series of heated and public disputes between Casey's children from his first marriage and his second wife, Jean. The conflicts centered around access to Casey and control of his medical care in the time leading up to his death.
Kerri Kasem said:
When I was walking towards his grave, I started to get a little shaky and a little emotional. When I got there, I just had a sense of peace come over me. He's not there — he's with me. And then I felt a little upset about the fact that he's buried in a place he didn't want to be. Other people would like to pay their respects... family members and fans.
Today, Kerri Kasem channels her experiences into advocacy work through her organization, Kasem Cares. The nonprofit has successfully lobbied for the passage of a "Visitation Bill" in 12 states, which aims to provide family members with a legal pathway to request court-ordered visitation rights for their loved ones.
Kerri remains committed to raising awareness about elder abuse and isolation, issues she believes are widespread and deeply concerning. She emphasized the importance of maintaining family connections, especially for individuals with dementia.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Kerri finds comfort in her memories of her father and her belief that his spirit remains with her. She shared, "I know my father is with me. There was a time after he died... the lights in my house would suddenly flicker. Things would happen. And I just knew it was him. He was with me."
In conclusion, the story of Casey Kasem's final resting place continues to unfold, with his daughter Kerri leading efforts to have his remains relocated to Los Angeles. The dispute highlights ongoing family conflicts and broader issues of elder care and end-of-life decisions. Kerri Kasem remains dedicated to honoring her father's legacy through advocacy work and her commitment to fulfilling what she believes was his final wishes.
