Regina King holds the memory of her late son Ian close, and is still finding ways to connect with him years after his tragic death.
In an interview with Parade published on Wednesday, August 6, King, 54, revealed that she often reads writing that Ian left behind.
“I have all of Ian’s journals. And when I’m kind of in a meditative space of connecting with him, I’ll sometimes read," said King, who noted that she has been taking her time with these entries. "I savor the moments because I don’t want to ever finish reading his journals."
Ian died by suicide in January 2022, shortly after his 26th birthday. He was a DJ and a musician, and King has recalled his outstanding music abilities and passion for his craft. She even said that this translated over to his writing.
“One day I’m reading, and he just had an ‘M’ drawn in there so beautifully. It kind of looks like a music note on one end," King said. Since discovering this, King incorporated this design into the logo for MianU, her new signature brand of orange wine. The name of the wine is also a tribute to Ian, as it’s pronounced “me and you,” but incorporates Ian’s name.
"It is something that I know he’d brag about," said King of the use of Ian’s logo.
Elsewhere in the interview, King revealed that she is still working to understand Ian’s depression and the moments that led to his passing.
"It’s hard watching your son go through those bouts of just low," King said. "And 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.”
King also noted the importance of recognizing signs and behaviors, and understanding that depression doesn’t simply go away.
“When he’s talking to you, looking at you, it may seem like, ‘Oh, he’s getting over this depression.’ That’s not the case,” she said.