Actress Regina King is closing out 2024 with a tribute to her late son

Actress Regina King She bids farewell to 2024 with a moving tribute to her late son.

The Oscar-winning actress and breakout star of Netflix’s “The Harder They Fall” put together a special Instagram post on Christmas Day to honor Ian Alexander Jr., a recording artist and King’s only child.

Sadly, Alexander committed suicide in January 2022.

Using Alexander’s career as a music artist for inspiration, King went on to share seven of her favorite albums from the past year on the social media app.

In a comment on her Instagram post, the “Shirley” star explained that the number of albums holds special significance for her and her late son.

“As we wrap up the year, I wanted to share my seven favorite albums of 2024,” King wrote.

“Why 7?” She continued: “Because seven is Ian’s favorite number and completion number – and it’s a perfect way to reflect on the highlights of the past year.”

Some of her selections included Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” Tyler the Creator’s “Chromakopia,” Willow Smith’s “Empathogen,” and the soundtrack to the biblical comedy “The Book of Clarence.”

King ended her post with a warm holiday greeting.

“I wish you and your families the faith to believe, the energy to create, and the love to maintain a peaceful and joyful holiday season. May this faith, love, and joy continue into the new year and beyond.”

On January 21, 2022, the entertainment world was rocked by the sudden death of King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., at just 26 years old.

Two writers for love b. Scottan entertainment blog, were the first to report the sad news with a post that was felt by many It was insensitiveEspecially since King herself did not talk about this matter.

Backlash ensued and the post was eventually removed.

One day later, King released A statement Her representative expressed, confirming the tragic news.

“Our family has been devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian.”

“He is a bright light who cares deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful attention during this special time.

Besides being a recording artist, Alexander was also a disc jockey. He often performed under the stage name Desduné.

Less than two weeks before his death, he released his final single, “Green Eyes.”

After her loss, King took a two-year break from the acting world.

She will slowly return to the spotlight in early 2024 with “Shirley,” a Netflix production based on the life of the first black female vice presidential nominee, Shirley Chisholm.

In an interview on “Good Morning America” ​​that aired in March, King spoke candidly about losing Alexander and how it affected her progress.

“I’m a different person now than I was on January 19,” she told Robin Roberts, referring to the actual date of Ian’s death.

“I understand that sadness is a love that has nowhere to go. I know that it is important for me to honor Ian for all that he is, and to talk about him in the present because he is always with me. The joy and happiness that he has given us all.”

Although time would allow her to process Ian’s choice, King admitted that doing so was not easy.

“I respect and understand that he doesn’t want to be here anymore, and that’s a hard thing for others to receive, because they haven’t lived our experience, (or) they haven’t lived Ian’s journey,” the actress said. So angry with God why is this weight given to Ian?”

One week after her sit-in at the GMA Awards, King visited “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to promote “Shirley.”

Instead, the talk show host, known for his wit and sarcasm, greeted the actress with grace when he asked her how she was feeling at that exact moment.

She replied with a sincere smile: “I’m fine now.”

Kimmel then tried to acknowledge the tough year King had had but choked up along the way. This would prompt the actress to reach for his hand.

“It’s good to see you, Jimmy,” she continued.

After a moment, he replied, “It’s good to see you too.”

While speaking with Roberts, King stated that she was tired of focusing on Ian’s death and instead, wanted to celebrate the time she had with him.

She noted, “My favorite thing about myself is being Ian’s mother. I know that it is important for me to honor Ian for all that he is, and to talk about him in the present because he is always with me. The joy and happiness he gave us all.”