Regina King marks one year since her son's death with lantern tribute: 'I see you in everything'

Regina King is breaking her social media silence, a year after her son's tragic death. 

The actress and director posted a loving tribute Thursday to her son, Ian Alexander Jr., who died a year ago at age 26 by suicide. To honor his life, King recorded a lantern lighting ceremony she participated in for his remembrance, calling him her "guiding light."

"January 19th is Ian’s Worthday. As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence. We are all in different places on the planet…so is Ian," King wrote. "His spirit is the thread that connects us. Of course orange is your favorite color…Its the fire and the calm. I see you in everything I breathe."

Since Alexander's death, King has remained out of the public's eye, making this post the first time she's spoken publicly about her family's loss.

Throughout her career, King has been feted with many accolades including an Oscar and Golden Globe for "If Beale Street Could Talk," and several Emmys for "Watchmen," "American Crime" and "Seven Seconds."

But the 52-year-old continued her post by writing," My absolute favorite thing about myself is being ….Regina the mother of Ian the GodKing."

Alexander shared King with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. The 26-year-old was a budding DJ/producer.

In an interview with USA TODAY in 2018, the "Watchmen" actress shared that she and her son were extremely close, detailing they had matching tattoos on their forearms reading "unconditional love" in Aramaic, which they learned while studying Kabbalah together.

"That mama bear thing where I'll do anything for my child, I'm one of those moms," King said at the time. "I'll give my right arm – and that's my writing arm – for my child's safety, and so my child can advance and reach higher than I've ever reached."

"Continue to shine bright, my guiding light," King concluded her tribute.

More: Lisa Marie Presley, Grant Wahl, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss and the trauma of a sudden death

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

Contributing: Patrick Ryan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Regina King remembers son in touching Instagram tribute