Regina King has opened up in an emotional interview about the profound impact of her son’s death and her journey through grief since the tragic loss.
In her first televised interview since the passing of her son Ian Alexander Jr. in January 2022, King shared intimate insights into her mourning process with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America.”
“I’m a different person now, you know, than I was Jan. 19,” King expressed, reflecting on the transformative nature of grief. “Grief is a journey, you know? I understand that grief is love that has no place to go.”
Ian Alexander Jr., King’s only child, tragically passed away at the age of 26. Throughout the interview, King revealed the complexities of dealing with her son’s mental health struggles, which ultimately led to his decision to end his own life.
King candidly discussed the societal misconceptions surrounding depression, emphasizing that it doesn’t always manifest in obvious ways. She lamented the inability to fully comprehend Ian’s internal struggles, highlighting the challenge of reconciling his choice with the love and support she provided.
“When it comes to depression, people expect it to look a certain way and they expect it to look heavy,” King shared, her voice trembling with emotion. “To have to experience this and not be able to have the time to just sit with Ian’s choice… that’s a hard thing for other people to receive because they did not live our experience, did not live Ian’s journey.”
The interview delved into King’s deeply personal journey of grappling with anger and guilt in the aftermath of Ian’s death. She expressed her frustration with a higher power for burdening her son with such profound struggles, despite their efforts to seek help through therapy and various interventions.
“I was so angry with God,” King revealed. “Why would that weight be given to Ian? Of all of the things that we had gone through… and Ian was like, ‘I’m tired of talking, Mom.'”
Despite the passage of time, King acknowledged that the pain of losing a child never truly fades. She admitted to grappling with feelings of guilt and responsibility, questioning what actions could have altered the devastating outcome.
“Sometimes, you know, a lot of guilt comes over me,” King confessed. “When a parent loses a child, you still wonder, ‘What could I have done so that wouldn’t have happened?'”
Throughout the interview, King emphasized her commitment to honoring Ian’s memory and preserving the joy he brought into her life. She spoke of her enduring connection to her son, finding solace in the small moments that remind her of his presence.
“My favorite thing about myself is being Ian’s mom,” King shared, her voice filled with both sorrow and pride. “And I can’t say that with a smile, with tears, with all of the emotion that comes with that. I can’t do that if I did not respect the journey.”
King concluded the interview by reflecting on her upcoming role as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, in the biopic “Shirley.” She revealed that the film, dedicated to her late son, holds profound significance in her journey of healing and remembrance.
As King bravely navigates the complexities of grief in the public eye, her poignant words serve as a reminder of the enduring love and legacy she shares with her son, Ian Alexander Jr.