Regina King’s only son Ian Alexander Jr. has recently died by suicide. The 51-year-old actress confirmed the tragic news to People on Friday with a statement that reads, “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you.”
Ian, who recently celebrated his 26th birthday, was Regina King’s only child with her record producer ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. King. The actress shared a close bond with her son, an artist, and DJ, who often accompanied her to events and called her ‘super mom’ at the 2019 Golden Globes. “She’s just a super mom,” he said while speaking with E! on the red carpet.
He added to the outlet, “She doesn’t really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. It’s really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with.” The If Beale Street Could Talk star separated from Ian’s father in 2007, after nine years of marriage. In 2011, Regina spoke with Essence and revealed how much she adored her only child.
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“I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me to be a mother for me to realize how incredible of a woman she is,” Regina said. She went on saying, “You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. So, that is the greatest part about me. Being a mom to Ian.”
Meanwhile, in honor of his mom’s 50th birthday last year, Ian paid tribute to the multi-hyphenate on Instagram, while penning, “Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for.”