Mother’s Day can be particularly trying for mothers whose children are no longer alive. However, fans did well to hold Regina King in prayers on Sunday after a photo of her surfaced on the internet.
The “Boondocks” voiceover actress has been away in mourning following the devastating loss of her only son, Ian Alexander Jr. However, for the first time since the tragic incident, fans got to see King and she looked in good spirits.
Regina King Seen Smiling In FaceTime Photo
In a tweet shared on Sunday, May 8, by a Twitter user with the handle @LawrenceCainJr, who claims to be King’s cousin, the iconic actress was seen smiling sweetly with her braids in an updo.
King rocked a makeup-free look and two simple gold necklaces as she conversed with her cousin, with a wide smile on her face. @LawrenceCainJr sweetly captioned the post, “Seeing Cuzo smile made today complete 🙏🏽 continue to pray for the mother’s [sic] who are living without their children.”
The post resonated with many and has received over 85,000 likes from fans who were thrilled to see King after a long time. It didn’t take long for the messages of love and prayers to serenade the post.
One fan tweeted, “omggg bless her and you for sharing. I hope she knows we all love her” while another added, “Thank you for sharing! It is wonderful to see her smile. We are thinking of her and keeping her in our hearts ♥️.”
This netizen confessed, “This legit eased my spirit a lil bit. She’s such an icon and I’ve been praying for her. Thank you for sharing,” while another comment read, “here’s always sunshine after the rain ☀️. Especially when we realise [sic] we didn’t lose, we gained an angel who will always be with us and guide us. @ReginaKing wishing you nothing but healing, acceptance, and more smiles 💜.”
Fans Missed The ‘Watchmen’ Actress At The Met Gala
The weekend before Mother’s Day, King made headlines after fans were looking to see her on the red carpet.
In March, it was announced that the award-winning actress would serve as a co-chair at the prestigious fundraising gala alongside Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
During the big night, all the co-chairs walked the red carpet apart from King. It was unsure if “The Harder They Fall” star attended the ceremony but chose to skip the red carpet or if she didn’t attend at all.
Nevertheless, fans showered her with love and prayers. As The Blast reported, fans took to Twitter to send their well wishes.
One fan wrote, “If Regina King doesn’t show up to the met gala that’s absolutely okay & everyone needs to give her the grace that’s she’s absolutely entitled to! & continued to pray for her as she experienced a great loss that she will NEVER get over #reginaking #MetGala.”
Another concerned netizen wrote, “Regina King was supposed to be a co-chair at the Met Gala tonight. Wishing her all the best as she continues to find a way to cope and heal.”
This thoughtful user added, “don’t know if Regina King attended Met Gala (and skipped the red carpet) or not. but if not, completely understand. want her to take all the time she needs & do what’s best for her. miss her & wish her LOTS of *heart emoji*”
King Lost Her Only Son To Suicide
News broke that King lost her son Ian Jr. at 26 to suicide. The heartbroken actress confirmed the sad news via a statement that read, “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you.”
King welcomed her mini-me with her music producer ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. during their nine-year marriage that lasted from 1997 to 2007.
King and Ian Jr., who was walking in his father’s music steps, had a tight bond and often attended award shows together. The four-time Primetime Emmy Awards often described her late son as her greatest pride.
King is yet to make a public appearance since losing her son, but her close friend Vivica A. Fox gave an update about her wellbeing saying she’s been “so strong” and appreciates the outpouring of love and support from fans.