In a heartfelt interview on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, actress Regina King opened up about the difficult journey she has been on since the tragic passing of her son, Ian Alexander Jr., two years ago. It was their first interview together since the devastating loss.

Kimmel, clearly moved by the subject, expressed his empathy towards King, acknowledging the tough year she has endured. Although he did not mention Ian Jr.'s name or directly allude to his passing, it was understood what Kimmel was referring to. In a show of support, King calmly reached out and held Kimmel's hand, offering her comfort.

The conversation took a lighter turn when Kimmel attempted to lighten the mood with a joke about William Shatner backstage, prompting laughter from the audience and King. However, the topic of King's son was not further discussed during the interview.

Ian Jr., who was King's only child with her ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr., tragically passed away on January 20, 2022, just a day after his 26th birthday. After taking time to grieve and heal in private, King is now promoting her latest film, "Shirley," which she was working on when she experienced the loss of her son.

"Shirley" tells the remarkable true story of Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968 and who subsequently ran for the Democratic nomination for president four years later. King had only been on set for a month when she faced the devastating loss of Ian Jr.

Earlier this month, King shared her story in her first television interview since Ian Jr.'s passing, speaking with ABC's Robin Roberts. During the interview, she expressed the importance of honoring her son's memory and spoke about the concept of grief being a journey with nowhere to go.

King's strength and resilience shine through as she seeks to remember Ian Jr. for the joy and light he brought into her life. She acknowledged that while he faced internal struggles, he always made others feel extraordinary, emphasizing that a smile does not always indicate happiness.

In a recent interview with Harper's BAZARR, King shared that she is taking life "minute by minute" as she continues to navigate her grief. She reflects on the deep love and effort she and Ian Jr. put into battling his depression, emphasizing his enduring impact on those around him.

Regina King's determination to honor her son's memory and her strength amidst tragedy serves as a testament to her resilience. As she shares her new film with the world, she carries the love and memories of Ian Jr. with her, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing those we have lost and celebrating the joy they brought into our lives.