Regina King Reads Late Son's Journals to Stay Connected

Regina King Shares Emotional Reflections on Her Late Son

Regina King, an Academy Award-winning actress, has opened up about her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., in a heartfelt interview. The conversation, shared with Parade, comes three years after the tragic loss of her only child, who passed away by suicide in 2022.

King described how she still feels connected to Ian through his journals, which she treasures deeply. “I savor the moments because I don’t want to ever finish reading his journals,” she said, reflecting on the emotional weight of preserving her son’s thoughts and memories.

One particular moment stood out when King was reading through Ian’s journal. She found an “M” drawn beautifully, resembling a music note on one end. This artistic touch became part of the label for MianU, her new orange wine brand launched in honor of Ian. The “M” is placed between “me” and “you,” symbolizing the connection between the creator and the consumer.

“I know he’d brag about it,” King said, referring to how Ian would have felt about the artwork on the MianU bottles. The design was created by an artist known for work on iconic album covers like Thriller and Fleetwood Mac.

Ian, who was 26 at the time of his death, was the only child of King and her ex-husband, Ian Alexander Sr., a record producer. He struggled with depression for a long time, though it wasn't always evident to those around him. “We would talk about it. His father, me, some of his friends,” King explained, highlighting the close circle that understood the depth of his struggles.

She also reflected on how difficult it was to watch her son go through bouts of low mood. “You’re doing all of the things [you can to help], but you have to accept that they don’t want to be here anymore,” she said, expressing the painful reality of losing someone to mental health challenges.

Despite his internal struggles, King remembered how Ian always tried to create special moments, even in simple situations. “He always wants to create a special moment, even in the simplest moments,” she recalled, emphasizing his ability to find joy in life.

Before launching MianU, King had a meaningful experience where she felt Ian's approval. After she hesitated to ask a group of nuns to try the wine, her friend did it instead. The nuns loved it, and King felt a sense of validation from this moment.

“I had literally found the blend,” she said, describing how this experience confirmed her belief in the wine. MianU represents more than just a business venture; it’s a tribute to Ian and a way for King to keep his memory alive.

King’s journey with grief has been complex, but she is now beginning to understand the layers of Ian’s depression. “Struggling often don’t want you to feel like them,” she noted, acknowledging the silent battles many face.

For those dealing with mental health challenges or emotional distress, support is available. Resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide 24/7 assistance. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out is a crucial step toward healing.

Through her words and actions, Regina King continues to honor her son’s legacy while navigating the profound impact of loss. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of connection.