Regina King has unveiled the profound impact the tragic loss of her son, Ian Desduné, has had on her life's trajectory. In a cover story for Haute Living Los Angeles, published on Tuesday, King confessed, "I now grasp that sorrow and joy can coexist in the same breath. I reside fully in the present moment, more so than ever before. Whether this awareness stems from the passage of time, the depths of pain, or the collective experience of the pandemic — perhaps it's a blend of all — I undeniably feel it."
Ian, King's sole child with her ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr., passed away by suicide at the tender age of 26 in January 2022. During her interview, King elaborated on how the orange wine she introduced earlier this month, named MianU, serves as a poignant tribute to her son's memory. "His artistry, his ingenuity — they're all encapsulated within this wine," she revealed. "It was an awakening, born from a desire to keep creating memories in Ian's honor. Amidst conversations about others' children's engagements, weddings, and new beginnings, I cherish discussing Ian. Though I can't fashion fresh memories as they do, I remain unperturbed. This is my unique path to co-creating something novel and enduring."
She further shared that her thoughts turn to Ian "every single time" she pours a glass, stating, "My mind is constantly with him, but in these fleeting moments, I vividly see his face. For those who never had the privilege of dancing alongside Ian, perhaps they'll feel inclined to inquire. His name, prominently displayed, ensures he'll never be erased from memory. In my presence, Ian is always seen."
King had previously opened her heart about her son's demise in a March 2024 interview with Good Morning America. Reflecting on Ian's battle with depression, she noted, "Society often expects depression to manifest in a certain, heavy manner. Experiencing this and grappling with Ian's decision, which I deeply respect and comprehend, was agonizing. It's challenging for others to grasp, as they haven't lived our story, Ian's journey."
Admitting she was once "angry with God," King recalled pondering, "Why was this burden bestowed upon Ian? Despite our countless therapies, psychiatric interventions, and programs, Ian simply said, 'I'm tired of talking, Mom.'" This ordeal has transformed King into "a different person." "Grief is a profound journey," she explained. "It's love that seeks an outlet. It's crucial for me to honor Ian in his entirety, to speak of him in the present tense, for he remains ever-present, a source of unending joy and happiness."
