In her first interview since her son’s passing, Regina King shared that she has gone through a profound transformation due to his tragic suicide.
“It is a process to go through grief,” King explained to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, during a segment aired on Thursday. “I realize that grief is a manifestation of love, with no outlet. It is my responsibility to honor Ian for his entirety.”
In January 2022, the son of the King, Ian Alexander Jr, passed away at 26 years old. He was known as a musician and DJ, and frequently accompanied the King to her red carpet appearances.
King tearfully shared, “Depression is often associated with a specific image and seen as a weighty burden. But when we lost Ian, I couldn’t even have time to come to terms with his decision. I know he chose not to stay with us any longer and I respect that, but others may struggle to understand because they haven’t been through what we have.”
Roberts informed King that numerous individuals would value the acknowledgment that you recognized his autonomy and decision.
The actor from If Beale Street Could Talk expressed that she was “extremely frustrated with God.”
“Why did Ian receive that weight? After everything we have been through – the therapy, psychiatry, programs – Ian simply said, ‘I am tired of talking, Mom.'”
King expressed that the most cherished aspect of her identity is being a mother to Ian. She emphasized that she wouldn’t be able to say it with such happiness, tears, and emotional depth if she didn’t appreciate the path that led her there.
King expressed frequently experiencing guilt, which is a typical response when a parent experiences the loss of a child.
“I continue to contemplate what I could have done differently to prevent this from happening,” she expressed. “While this sorrow is shared by others, I am the only one who is Ian’s mother. It belongs to me, and the pain will never dissipate. It will always be a part of me.”
According to King, the sorrow serves as a poignant reminder of the value of their relationship.
Regina King, who portrays Shirley Chisholm in the upcoming biopic, has dedicated the film to her son. Chisholm was the first Black woman to serve in Congress and King is also a producer for the project.
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In the United States, you have the option to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the number 988, via online chat at 988lifeline.org, or by texting HOME to 741741 to be connected with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, you can contact Samaritans at no charge by calling 116 123 or emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. Lifeline in Australia can be reached at 13 11 14 for crisis support. Additional helplines around the world can be found at befrienders.org.
Source: theguardian.com
