EXHIBIT 32.1

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                         PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
                           SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

                  In connection with this annual report on Form 10-K of King
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. I, Brian A. Markison, Chief Executive Officer of King
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that:

1.       The report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in this report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Date: March 16, 2005                             /s/ Brian A. Markison
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 Brian A. Markison
                                                 President and Chief
                                                 Executive Officer