Legendary radio DJ Casey Kasem, whose health has been the subject of a highly-publicized court battle, died Sunday in a California hospital. He was 82.

Casey Kasem Dies

Kasem’s death was announced by his daughter Kerri Kasem via Twitter Sunday morning.

“Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends,” she tweeted. “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.”

Back in 2007, Kasem was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He subsequently began to suffer from dementia and sepsis. On Wednesday, a judge gave Kerri Kasem, who’d been fighting for the control of her father’s healthcare for several months, the authority to end his infusions of water, food and medicine in order to minimize his suffering.

“At best prolong the dying process for him and will certainly add suffering to an already terribly uncomfortable dying process,” Kasem’s doctor had said, according to Kerri Kasem’s lawyer Troy Martin.

Over the last few months, Kerri Kasem and her siblings have been in a court battle with his wife of 33 years, Jean Kasem. In May, Jean Kasem had moved the famed DJ to a Washington residence without informing his children. His children were later enabled to take over for his medical care, which Kasem had apparently wanted, according to a signed document. An enraged Jean Kasem threw meat at Kerri Kasem in protest of the court decision.

Kasem was a nationally and globally celebrated radio DJ who was known for his countdown shows “American Top 40" and "Casey’s Top 40." For four decades, Kasem was one of the best-known voices on the airwaves until he retired in 2009, signing off with his trademark line, “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars."

Kasem is survived by his wife Jean and four children.

For More Kerri Kasem News:

> Casey Kasem Alert But In Critical Condition

> Jean Kasem Throws Raw Hamburger Meat At Kerri Kasem In Exclusive VIDEO

> Casey Kasem's Wife Jean Kasem Throws Raw Hamburger Meat At His Daughter Kerri Kasem

> Casey Kasem Found: Former DJ Located In Washington State

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Article by Chelsea Regan

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