Sylvester Stallone has covered up a tattoo of his wife with ink of his late co-worker dog, Butkus

Actor Sylvester Stallone has covered up a tattoo of his wife Jennifer Flavin's face with one of Butkus, his late dog who appeared in the movie "Rocky" as well as its sequel. The previous tattoo, located on his bicep, was refreshed. However, the results were unsatisfactory and "unfixable." Therefore, he chose to cover up the tattoo with a new one. His new tattoo features a tribute to the bull mastiff, who passed away in 1981 of a heart attack. Meanwhile, Stallone and Flavin filed for divorce this week, People Magazine reports.

Stallone's publicist Michelle Bega shared more information about the actor's new tattoo in an interview with The Daily Mail. "Mr. Stallone intended to refresh the tattoo image of his wife Jennifer; however, the results were unsatisfactory and, unfortunately, unfixable," she said. "Mr. Stallone loves his family. The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together which will debut on Paramount+." Stallone and Flavin marked the important milestone of their 25th anniversary with respective Instagram tributes to each other.

Stallone uploaded a photo carousel of the pair. Its caption reads, "Happy 25th anniversary to my amazing wife. There [are] not enough words to describe what this incredibly selfless dedicated, patient woman has meant to our lives and I only wish [there] could be another 25! Thank you, sweetheart!" While Flavin has since deleted her wedding anniversary tribute, it was also filled with expressions of love for her husband. "Happy 25th wedding anniversary to us!" her caption read. "Thank you for always keeping me laughing, loving, and protecting our beautiful family! Our marriage keeps getting better every year! I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together!" Stallone has also expressed his love for Butkus in the past via Instagram.

For example, in 2017, he posted a picture of his younger self and a puppy-dog Butkus on Instagram. The photograph was originally taken in the year 1971. During this time, as Stallone shared, he and the dog were "both thin, hungry and living in a flophouse above a subway stop." He explained in the post's caption, "Since I never went out, I relied on [Butkus's] companionship, And actually it was his idea to write 'Rocky,' but don't tell anyone... Years later when things got even worse I had to sell him for $40 in front of a 7-Eleven store, because I couldn't afford food. Then like a modern-day miracle, the screenplay for 'Rocky' sold, and I could buy him back. But the new owner knew I was desperate and charged me $15,000... He was worth every penny!" Clearly, his new tattoo is just as meaningful.