Regina King, the renowned actress, recently shared her journey of mourning and healing after the tragic death of her 26-year-old son, Ian, in January 2022. In an emotional interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, King reflected on how grief has transformed her, stating, “I’m a different person now, than I was then on Jan. 19.” She acknowledged that grief is a unique journey for everyone and highlighted the importance of honoring Ian’s memory.
Ian Alexander Jr. was King’s only child from her marriage to record producer Ian Alexander. Reports revealed that Ian Jr. tragically died by suicide shortly after celebrating his 26th birthday. King bravely opened up about her son’s struggles with mental health, emphasizing the complexities of depression and the different ways individuals cope with it. She expressed her anger towards God for burdening Ian with such a heavy weight but also reflected on the love and respect she has for his journey.
At the recent Academy Awards, King paid tribute to Ian by wearing his favorite color, orange, as she presented an award. She admitted that attending such events can trigger mixed emotions, from laughter to deep sadness in acknowledging Ian’s absence. Despite the guilt and sadness she carries as a mother who lost her child, King finds solace in the reminder of how much Ian meant to her.
In a touching Instagram post on what would have been Ian’s 27th birthday, King honored his “worthday” by celebrating his presence and spirit. She described Ian as her guiding light and expressed gratitude for being his mother. Through her pain and grief, King continues to cherish the memories and legacy of her beloved son.
