Sylvester Stallone reflecting on his three-decade marriage to Jennifer Flavinadmits that there is one change he would like to make if he could do it all over again.
For the actor who has had two failed marriages, it seems that the third time is the charm, as he and Flavin are one of Hollywood’s longest-running relationships after meeting four decades ago. They have three daughters, Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet Stallone.
The marriage hasn’t been without its ups and downs, but the lovebirds seem to have found a rhythm that works. Now, the 80-year-old gives some insight into why.
Sylvester Stallone has one major regret with his wife Jennifer Flavin
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the “Rocky” star was asked what “do over” he would choose if he could change a situation in his life. He admitted that it was a difficult question before turning his attention to his wife.
“I wish I had married my wife about eight years earlier,” he said. “I’ve been such a fool for so long, of late. Because you know, I’m still learning about relationships that are so bad.”
Stallone then apologized directly to Flavin, saying, “Uh, so I’m sorry about that. And I’m sorry, baby.”
The actor explained how his childhood influenced his thinking as an adult, changing his approach to relationships. He admitted that part of it could have been growing up without feeling love from parents.
The 80-year-old believes that love can be learned. “It’s a habit, you know, learning to love a really good habit,” he told host Tracy Smith. “And with my wife, Jennifer, it has finally come true. It took about 60 years, but we got there.”
Jennifer Flavin explained why marriage to Sylvester Stallone has passed the test of time
While Stallone wishes he had married his wife earlier, Flavin has previously revealed what she believes helped her marriage stand the test of time, admitting that there is no such thing as a “perfect” union.
“You have good days, you have bad days. You have good years, and you have bad years. You have hard times, but you have good times,” she said, according to USA Magazine.
She advised couples to be patient with each other, because everyone had a different mindset in marriage. Flavin noted that people tended to “jump” when the going got tough.
“My marriage has lasted for a while because I’m very patient and I’m very forgiving,” she said, adding that she and Sylvester always made sure to make time for each other, away from the kids. “Because if you are good as a husband and wife, your children will be good.”
Sylvester Stallone And Jennifer Flavin Relationship Timeline
The marriage has not been without its ups and downs, as Flavin filed for divorce in 2022, before reconciling and even starring in their own reality show, “The Stallone Family”.
The couple met when they met at a restaurant in 1988 when Flavin was 19, and Stallone was at the height of his career. They dated for six years before he broke up with her with a handwritten letter that he FedExed.
The break did not last long, and about a year later, in 1995, they rekindled their relationship and welcomed their first daughter, Sophia. They married in London in May 1997.
They welcomed their second and third daughters, Sistine and Scarlet, in 1998 and 2002, respectively.
Jennifer Flavin shares her thoughts on Hollywood’s transgender movement
Away from her marriage to Stallone, the former model did not refuse to tell her truth. Such was the case when she shared her thoughts on the rise of transgender children among famous families.
“I just think that Hollywood, you know, it’s about feeling… So, you know, whatever you want to express yourself. If you feel like a cat today, you’re a cat. And it’s so loose,” Flavin explained, according to The Blast.
The 58-year-old believes that while children need freedom to develop, they also need boundaries and structure from their parents.
“I don’t think we really understand that these children are not our resources. They are little people who need structure. And structure is very important for them because it helps their brain to organize everything,” said the mother of three.
Sylvester Stallone does not have good memories of his parents
“The Rambo III” actor also looked back on how his upbringing shaped his adult life, talking about his complicated relationship with his parents, especially his mother, Jackie.
As described in Stallone’s memoir, “The Steps,” her unconventional life as a famous astrologer, palmist, musician, and trapeze artist often preceded her children.
According to the actor, she was more focused on pursuing her goals than connecting with her family, and he remembered her making a statement that was very painful. “The only reason you’re here is because the hanger didn’t work,” Stallone said, according to The Blast.
The strained relationship was even more evident when he invited her to the 1977 Oscars, where “Rocky” won Best Picture. She wasn’t present because Sylvester wouldn’t give her hairdresser an extra ticket.