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Larry King: TV legend loses two children within weeks of each other, reports say

Broadcaster has not spoken publicly about either death

Ellie Harrison
Saturday 22 August 2020 11:15 BST
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Larry King at The National Film and Television Awards in 2018
Larry King at The National Film and Television Awards in 2018 (Rex Features)

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American talk show host Larry King has suffered the loss of two of his children just weeks apart, according to reports.

His only daughter Chaia, 51, reportedly died after a battle with lung cancer on Thursday (20 August).

King's adopted son, Andy, died aged 65 “a couple of weeks ago”, according to Page Six. It is not clear what caused Andy’s death. Larry King has not yet spoken publicly about losing either of his children.

The Independent has contacted King's representatives for comment.

A source told Page Six: “Larry and his three remaining children are distraught, and Larry’s still recovering from his own health issues from last year.” King had a near-fatal stroke in 2019.

King, 86, has three other sons: Larry King Jr, Cannon and Chance.

Larry King with his most recent wife Shawn and their children Chance and Cannon
Larry King with his most recent wife Shawn and their children Chance and Cannon (Rex)

He has been married eight times. When Alene Akins, the mother of Andy and Chaia, died in 2017, King tweeted: “So very saddened over the passing of Alene Akins, who died peacefully with our children Chaia and Andy by her side. She was a grand lady.” They were married twice, from 1961 until 1963 and 1967 until 1972.

King gained prominence in the late Seventies as host of The Larry King Show, an all-night nationwide call-in radio programme. Since then, he has fronted various series such as Larry King Live, Larry King Now and his current show Politicking with Larry King.

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