Every now and then, a post hits the timeline that makes you pause — and Julie McKnight’s recent message dedicated to her son, Brian McKnight Jr., is one of them. She’s dropped hints about her maternal love before, but this post? One of her most raw and real yet — peeling back the layers to show the deep love, strength, and heartache she’s been seemingly carrying.
RELATED: Julie McKnight Says Niko Was “More Than An Estranged Son” Amid Mixed Reactions To Brian McKnight’s Tribute Post (VIDEOS)
Julie McKnight Opens Up
Julie McKnight hit Instagram with a sweet shoutout to her son, Brian McKnight Jr., reminding him that she loves him through the pain. This comes right on the heels of her other son, Niko McKnight’s, recent passing from colon cancer — a loss the family still appears to be processing. And, in a candid post, a photo of Julie and Brian can be seen embracing in an emotional hug, with the caption:
“My Sun, [Brian McKnight Jr.] the one who has been with me the longest. I am so grateful to have your shoulder. We’re gonna be ok. We’re gonna be ok. We’re gonna be ok. I love you so much,” Julie wrote.
Social Media Sends Support
Social media has been showing nothing but love in The Shade Room Instagram comment section for Julie McKnight. From prayers and heart emojis to cutting Brian McKnight’s music, roomies are flooding her with support. And, It’s clear the timeline is wrapping her in one big virtual hug right now.
One Instagram user @tylermnewkirk said, “‘We’re gonna be ok.’ That affirmation will be needed in the times ahead. Praying their strength. ❤️”
This Instagram user @naturallypaige_ said, “Praying for this mother’s strength 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Likewise, Instagram user @realwillieyoung wrote, “Prayers to all the mothers who lost their kids young 🙏🏾”
And, Instagram user @tiffanynycole_ added, “This is still so incredibly sad. My heart breaks for them 💔”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @atbellyjam commented, “I feel like we should all get together book Brian McKnight, and then jump him. But that’s just me“
While, Instagram user @yvonnemoss74 wrote, “I would take that McKnight off my name asap!“
And, Instagram user @mskthekoach said, “Ill never play another Brian Mcknight song😔….condolences, I know the family is absolutely heartbroken 😩”
Finally, Instagram user @lion_and.the.lamb wrote, “Never know when it’s our time 🙏🏽”
What Sparked Her Heartfelt Post?
While it’s not clear if anything additional happened behind-the-scenes, Julie McKnight seems focused on supporting her son as they navigate their grief together. Niko’s passing was first confirmed by Niko’s uncle, Claude McKnight, on TikTok back in May. However, following emotional statements from Julie and Brian Jr., Brian McKnight broke his silence — but not without throwing shade.
Furthermore, on June 4, Julie showed up on Instagram with full “Mama Bear” energy, posting heartfelt tributes praising Niko’s roles as brother, husband, uncle, and cousin. Her posts came just one day after Brian used the same “Mama Bear” title to apparently degrade her. But, Julie’s shut down any alleged disrespect towards Niko in an emotional tribute, starting with the powerful line: “He is more… than an estranged son… than a sensational headline.”
