Regina King's forever-date has been her son, Ian Alexander Jr., for well over a decade, and we couldn't possibly love it anymore than we already do. The One Night In Miami director has adorably been been dragging the now 23-year-old along with her to numerous events since he was a child--from premieres, receptions, sporting events, and even the Golden Globes, to most recently, mentions in interviews. And listen, I'm not sure why the culture hasn't kept up with this, as he has quietly--but not so quietly--grown up right under our noses, but I am certainly here for it.
Ian, from King's marriage with former Warner Brother's VP, Ian Alexander Sr., has managed to walk this earth as the son of one of the most astounding humans alive, and their relationship and admiration for each other, is the cutest thing you'll see today.
King, who is usually pretty tight-lipped about her personal life, has oddly managed to keep Ian out of the spotlight while simultaneously bringing him along for the ride as well. And if anyone is able to balance the task of doing so, it's definitely Regina 'Damn' King.
Of motherhood, she told Essence:
"I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me to be a mother for me to realize how incredible of a woman she (my mother) is."
Ian echoes her sentiments, as he does nothing but brag on her as well, by unapologetically referring to her as 'super mom.' He told E!:
"Usually people will ask me, 'What's it like having Regina King be your mother. She's just a super mom, really. She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have, so it's really awesome to have a mother that I can enjoy spending time with and all that."
Ahhh, be still, my heart.
Today, Ian is all grown up now, and has inherited Regina's passion for the arts. He's currently in college and works as a music producer in a Los Angeles-based art collective, producing under his artistic name, Buttercreem. But the admiration for his mom and their relationship has publicly been his driving force.
The beauty in their relationship cultivates from the intricate mama bear instinct she exudes in acknowledging him and their family dynamic. King openly addressed a piece of this, as she revealed in the book, He Never Came Home: Interviews, Stories, and Essays from Daughters on Life Without Their Fathers, that she worked hard to rebuild a friendship with her ex-husband for the sake of their son.
She wrote:
"Ian's in college now. And I know how much he appreciates us for making the effort because he remembers when things were not so good. I'm just glad that we all made it to the other side. We've redefined what it means to be a family, our family, and we're all better for it."
Either way, if you're like me, and you still can't believe that Regina King has an adult son, well, join the club. But we still look forward to seeing more of them together, as she racks up more awards in the near future.
Featured image via Regina King/Instagram