Regina King Steps onto the Red Carpet in First Public Appearance Since Her Son's Tragic Death
PEOPLE confirmed in January that the actress' late son Ian Alexander Jr. died by suicide just days ahead of his 26th birthday
Regina King is returning to the red carpet for the first time after losing her son in a tragic death earlier this year.
The Watchmen actress made an appearance at an awards ceremony during the Filming Italy Festival in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy.
King, 51, graced the red carpet wearing a sleeveless white dress that showcased her arms and a slither of her stomach. For the glamorous night, the Academy Award winner embellished her ensemble with a pair of matching colored high heels and a Louis Vuitton purse. A portion of her hair tied into braids was dyed orange for the occasion.
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The sighting marked her first public outing since the death of her son, Ian Alexander Jr., in January.
"Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," King said in a statement sent to PEOPLE announcing the tragedy at the time. "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."
A Los Angeles County Coroner spokesperson later confirmed to PEOPLE that Alexander Jr.'s death was officially ruled a suicide.
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He was King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr.
Following in his father's musical footsteps, Ian was a deejay. King previously told PEOPLE that he was "an amazing young man."
Despite her growing success as an actor and director, King said at the time that Ian was her biggest source of pride. After separating from Ian's father in 2007 after nine years of marriage, King admitted being a single parent wasn't always easy, but that nothing is stronger than her love for her son.
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"You don't know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don't have a child, you don't know what that is," she explained at the time. "When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever."
A week prior to his death, the deejay reflected on his relationship with social media. He made his final Twitter posts on Jan. 14, five days ahead of his 26th birthday.
"I don't think Instagram is healthy for me," one of his tweets read.
In another, Alexander Jr. wrote, "You know that episode of SpongeBob where they go inside his brain and it's a bunch of mini Spongebob just losing their s---…..yea that one really hits home."
RELATED: Regina King's Son Ian Alexander Jr. Dies by Suicide: He 'Cared So Deeply'