Regina King honours late son Ian Alexander Jr in heartfelt tribute

King reflected on how grief has altered her perspective, saying she often speaks of Ian in the present tense

Regina King has paid an emotional tribute to her late son, Ian Alexander Jr, reflecting on his life and the lasting impact he continues to have on her personal and creative journey.

The Oscar-winning actress spoke about Ian during an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on June 22, 2026, where she took part in the Tall Tales & Cocktails seminar. King shared that her son remains a central inspiration in her life, including her wine brand MianU Wines, which she launched in 2024 as a tribute to their shared bond and his influence on her outlook.

King described Ian as deeply empathetic, creative and perceptive, noting that those qualities continue to shape how she approaches both life and storytelling. She also reflected on how grief has altered her perspective, saying she often speaks of him in the present tense because she feels he is still with her in spirit.

During the event, King read from a journal entry written by Ian, highlighting his thoughtful nature and ability to find meaning in everyday experiences. She said the brand MianU, pronounced “me and you,” allows her to continue creating moments connected to her son even after his death.

Ian Alexander Jr, who died in January 2022 at the age of 26, was the only child of Regina King and her former husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. Since his passing, King has frequently spoken about her grief and her efforts to honour his memory through her work and public tributes.