Sylvester Stallone Covers Up Tattoo Of Wife With That Of His Dog From Iconic “Rocky” Films
Actor Sylvester Stallone has updated his tattoo collection with a heartfelt tribute to Butkus, the bull mastiff who starred alongside him in the iconic Rocky films. However, this change came at the expense of a previous tattoo honoring his wife, Jennifer Flavin, sparking public interest and speculation about the couple’s relationship.
Stallone, married to Flavin for 28 years, replaced her likeness on his right arm with a detailed depiction of Butkus. The original tattoo showed Flavin’s face next to a rose. Now, fans can see the face of the beloved canine co-star who appeared in Rocky and Rocky II. Butkus, who passed away over three decades ago, remains a cherished part of Stallone’s life and career.
The timing of this tattoo update was notable, as it occurred shortly before Flavin posted a cryptic message on Instagram alongside a photo with their daughters, captioned, “These girls are my priority ❤️ nothing else matters. The 4 of us forever🤍🙏🏻 #truth#family#forever.” This understandably fueled speculation about the couple’s relationship status.
A tattoo artist later revealed the new design on Instagram, and a Stallone spokesperson offered an explanation, saying, “Mr. Stallone intended to refresh the tattoo image of his wife Jennifer; however, the results were unsatisfactory and, unfortunately, unfixable. As a result, he had to cover the original image with a tattoo of his dog from Rocky, Butkus.” The spokesperson added, “Mr. Stallone loves his family. The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together which will debut on Paramount+.”
Despite these rumors, Stallone has publicly celebrated his relationship with Flavin on significant occasions. On their 25th anniversary, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Happy 25th anniversary to my amazing wife. There is not enough words to describe what this incredibly selfless, dedicated, patient woman has meant to our lives, and I only wish they could be another 25! Thank you sweetheart!” Similarly, Flavin marked the occasion with her own post, describing their marriage as something that “keeps getting better every year,” though she later deleted this post.
The couple’s relationship has encountered its share of ups and downs. Flavin filed for divorce in August 2022 in Florida, citing concerns about the handling of marital assets. However, the two reconciled just a month later, and Stallone described that period as “tumultuous,” adding that it helped him realize the importance of his family over his work. Since then, they’ve resumed public appearances, including attending a Ralph Lauren fashion show together in October 2022.
The Stallones currently star in the Paramount+ reality series The Family Stallone, which gives fans an inside look at their lives. The couple shares three daughters—Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet—who frequently appear alongside them at public events.
Stallone’s connection to Butkus remains an emotional chapter in his life. The actor has often shared the story of their bond, describing a time when he was forced to sell the dog for $40 due to financial struggles in the early 1970s.
After selling the Rocky screenplay, Stallone tracked down Butkus’ new owner and paid $15,000 to bring him back. Reflecting on the experience in a 2017 Instagram post, he called Butkus “worth every penny.”
