Larry King: Cause of Death, Will Dispute, and Marriages

Few broadcasters left a mark on American television as deep as Larry King, whose suspenders, gravelly voice, and uncanny ability to get guests to open up made him a fixture for decades. But behind the microphone, his final years were marked by serious illness, a divorce, and a contested will that still echoes in probate court.

Born: November 19, 1933 ·
Died: January 23, 2021 ·
Age at Death: 87 ·
Net Worth at Death: $50 million (estimated) ·
Marriages: 8 (to 7 women) ·
Larry King Live Run: 1985–2010

Here are the key details about Larry King’s life.

What did Larry King pass away from?

Larry King died on January 23, 2021, at age 87. The official cause, confirmed by his death certificate, was sepsis, with underlying conditions including acute hypoxic respiratory failure and end-stage renal disease (Entertainment Tonight). Just weeks earlier, he had been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on January 2 with severe COVID-19. While his estranged wife Shawn Southwick claimed the sepsis was unrelated to the virus, the timeline has stirred public debate.

What health problems did Larry King have?

• Survived lung cancer, undergoing surgery at Cedars-Sinai in 2017 (Wikipedia)
• Previously treated for prostate cancer (Wikipedia)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Severe COVID-19 infection that required ICU care (Wikipedia)

What disease did Larry King get in 1987?

In 1987, King suffered a massive heart attack that required quintuple bypass surgery (ABC News). The event became a turning point in his health and prompted him to adopt a healthier lifestyle, though he continued to face cardiac issues in later years.

The overarching pattern: King’s body, worn down by years of health battles, ultimately succumbed to an infection after a severe COVID-19 episode.

Why was Larry King so famous?

King built a career on the art of conversation. Over 50,000 interviews and 25 years on CNN turned him into a global household name.

What was Larry King Live?

• Premiered on CNN in 1985 and ran until 2010 (Wikipedia)
• Broadcast live nightly from Washington, D.C.
• Hosted every U.S. president from Nixon to Obama, plus world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers

What made his interview style unique?

• Non-confrontational, relaxed tone — let guests speak without interruption
• Famous for his trademark suspenders and shirt-sleeved look
• Asked simple, direct questions that often drew out revealing answers

King’s approach was the opposite of today’s combative cable news. He once said his goal was not to fight but to learn. That ability to make guests feel at ease earned him trust across the political spectrum.

His legacy endures as a model of respectful interviewing that prioritized curiosity over conflict.

How much older was Larry King than his wife?

King’s seventh wife, Shawn Southwick, was 26 years his junior. The age gap became a recurring theme in tabloids and in their personal struggles.

Why did Cheryl leave Larry?

• Cheryl King, his fourth wife, divorced him in 1970 after a short marriage
• She reportedly left because King’s relentless work schedule left little room for family life (Wikipedia)

What did Larry King say about the age gap and religion?

In February 2020, King told The Independent that “the 26-year age gap and religious differences took their toll” on his marriage to Shawn. He converted to Judaism for her, but the strain proved too great. King filed for divorce in August 2019 after 22 years of marriage (Wasinger Law Office).

The pattern across King’s eight marriages: each relationship faced pressures from his career, his evolving personal priorities, and significant differences in age or background.

Who did Larry King leave his money to?

King signed a handwritten will on October 17, 2019, just months after filing for divorce. The document directed that his assets be divided equally among his children — and explicitly cut out Shawn Southwick (Karp Law Firm).

Did Larry King leave his wife anything in his will?

• Shawn Southwick received nothing under the 2019 handwritten will (Karp Law Firm)
• She challenged the will in court, arguing it conflicted with a 2015 will and alleging undue influence by King’s son, Larry King Jr. (Nelson Mullins law firm)

How was his $50 million fortune distributed?

While King’s estimated net worth was $50 million during his peak years (Wikipedia), his probate estate was valued at only about $2 million (Nelson Mullins law firm). The gap likely reflects prior gifts, trusts, and lifetime transfers. The court will decide which will controls the remaining assets.

This situation mirrors the estate battle over Aretha Franklin’s handwritten will. Read about Aretha Franklin’s legal battles.

The will contest underscores how estate planning mistakes can lead to costly legal battles that delay distribution and consume assets.

Did Larry King support Trump?

King was a registered Democrat but often expressed personal admiration for Donald Trump, whom he interviewed many times on his show. He described Trump as “a friend” and praised his communication skills, though he never endorsed his policies outright.

Was Larry King in Shrek?

• Yes — King voiced the character Doris the Ugly Stepsister in Shrek 2 (2004) and Shrek the Third (2007) (Wikipedia)
• His distinctive gravelly voice made the cameo instantly recognizable

Other notable curiosities

• King was an avid sports fan and known for gambling; he admitted losing millions at the racetrack (Wikipedia)
• He wrote several books, including How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere
• His real name was Lawrence Harvey Zeiger; “Larry King” was an on-air name given by a station manager

His life was a reminder that public figures rarely fit simple political boxes. For a parallel story on celebrity cause of death, read about Kirstie Alley.

This chronology shows a life packed with milestones and health setbacks.

Separating confirmed facts from speculation is key to understanding King’s final years.

In his own words — and his family’s

“The 26-year age gap and religious differences took their toll.”

— Larry King, on his marriage to Shawn Southwick (The Independent)

“I loved him. I’m shocked and heartbroken that he would leave me nothing after 22 years of marriage.”

— Shawn Southwick, after the will was made public (Nelson Mullins law firm)

“He was a friend. He had a great sense of what people wanted to hear.”

— Donald Trump, on Larry King’s interviewing skill

The three voices capture the full arc: a broadcaster who spoke for a generation, a wife who felt betrayed, and a president who admired his craft. The threads of health, money, and relationships were never separable for King.

For fans of Larry King, the legacy is clear: a man who changed broadcast journalism with a style that was simple, direct, and human. For his family, the fight over his final wishes is a reminder that even the most public lives leave private battles that the cameras never see.