Casey Kasem's kids from his first marriage say they are willing to pursue legal action if their stepmother Jean Kasem continues to refuse to let them see their 81-year-old ailing father.
Mike, Kerri, and Julie Kasem, the adult children of the famed radio host and his first wife Linda Myers, said that Jean Kasem suddenly cut them off from their dad about three months ago. He is currently suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, according to media reports.
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"We haven't heard anything from her yet. We're giving her a chance to respond privately, and if she doesn't, we're taking legal action,"
Kerri Kasem, 41, told the New York Daily News Thursday. "I think we're going to wait until Monday or Tuesday. If she doesn't answer our letters, we'll have to do it in court. We hope it doesn't come to that."
The Kasem children
gathered outside Jean and Casey Kasem's estate Tuesday with signs and publically protested. They insist the issue is not a financial one, and say they just want to see their father.
"We love him, and everyone knows his kids and grandkids are a source of joy for him," Kerri Kasem said. "My dad told us a long time ago we were not in the will, and we're OK with that. We've known that for years. I've never asked him for anything, nor have I asked Jean for anything."
Though he is very sick, sources say Casey Kasem is still of sound mind.
"He has Parkinson's, has it very bad. It took his speech, and for somebody who made millions of dollars using his voice — for him to lose that gift, that beautiful instrument — it must be frustrating. But he's handling it very well,"
Don Pitts, Casey Kasem's agent of more than 35 years, told CNN.
"His mind is very sharp, his brain works well. You can tell in his eyes he understands everything you're saying. He just has trouble translating it from the brain to his vocal cords."
Jean and Casey Kasem were married in 1980. He is best known as the iconic Top 40 radio host and the voice of Shaggy in "Scooby Doo," while she starred on "Cheers" and on the show's spinoff, "The Tortellis."
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