Sylvester Stallone, the iconic star of Rocky and Rambo, has recently made headlines not for his on-screen action, but for some off-screen body art adjustments. The 76-year-old actor has updated his tattoo collection, adding a heartfelt tribute to his beloved late dog, Butkus. This new ink, placed on his shoulder, serves a dual purpose: honoring his canine companion and covering up a previous tattoo of his wife, Jennifer Flavin.
News of the tattoo refresh surfaced when photos emerged showing Stallone’s new artwork. Michelle Bega, Stallone’s publicist, confirmed the change, stating to the Daily Mail that while Mr. Stallone intended to refresh the tattoo of his wife Jennifer, the outcome was “unsatisfactory and, unfortunately, unfixable.” This explanation followed the revealing photos of the cover-up, sparking curiosity and speculation about the actor’s personal life. Despite the tattoo alteration, Bega emphasized Stallone’s commitment to his family, mentioning their upcoming reality show debut on Paramount+.
Stallone’s bond with Jennifer Flavin spans 25 years of marriage, a milestone they celebrated in May with affectionate Instagram posts. Stallone’s anniversary post lauded his “amazing wife” for her selfless dedication, expressing hope for another 25 years together. Flavin, in her now-deleted post, echoed the sentiment, praising Stallone for laughter, love, and protection, and expressing excitement for their future.
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The new tattoo itself is a poignant portrait of Butkus, Stallone’s bullmastiff who sadly passed away from a heart attack in 1981. Stallone’s affection for Butkus is well-documented. In a 2017 Instagram post, he shared a throwback image from 1971, depicting a young Stallone with a puppy Butkus. He recounted their shared struggles in poverty, revealing he had to sell Butkus for a mere $40 due to financial hardship. However, once Stallone sold the screenplay for Rocky, his first act was to buy Butkus back, even at the hefty price of $15,000. He affirmed Butkus was “worth every penny,” highlighting the deep emotional connection between the actor and his canine companion. This new tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of that enduring bond, etched onto Stallone’s skin as a lasting tribute.
