Regina King celebrated the memory of her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., in a heartfelt way nearly three years after his passing. On Christmas Day, the Academy Award-winning actress shared a list of her seven favorite albums of 2024, a tribute filled with personal meaning.
On Instagram, King revealed her top musical picks, including The Book of Clarence soundtrack, Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia, Willow Smith’s Empathogen, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Cory Wong, Jules Buckley, and Metropole Orkest’s Starship Syncopation, Florence + the Machine and Jules Buckley’s Symphony of Lungs, and Ka’s The Thief Next to Jesus.
Explaining the list, King shared, “Why seven? Because seven is Ian’s favorite number and the number of completion—a perfect way to reflect on the past year’s highlights.” She also extended an uplifting holiday message, wishing everyone “faith to believe, energy to create, and love to sustain a peaceful and joyous holiday season.”
Remembering Ian
Ian Alexander Jr. passed away in January 2022 at the age of 26. King, who shared Ian with her ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr., has spoken openly about her grief and the ways she keeps his memory alive.
Earlier this year, during an interview on Good Morning America, King reflected on her journey. “Grief is a journey,” she said. “I understand that grief is love that has no place to go. I honor Ian in the totality of who he is, and I speak about him in the present because he is always with me. The joy and happiness he gave all of us is something I carry every day.”
Music as a Tribute
Ian, a DJ and music enthusiast, had a deep connection to music, making this tribute especially meaningful. King’s list not only highlights her appreciation for this year’s standout albums but also serves as a way to feel connected to Ian through the art he cherished.
Regina King’s ability to transform loss into celebration inspires many. Her touching tribute is a reminder of the enduring power of love, memory, and creativity.
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