Sylvester Stallone is set to receive one of the prestigious honors at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, recognized for his impressive contributions to the entertainment industry. The ceremony, which took place earlier this month, will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on Tuesday, December 23. Stallone was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Flavin, who supported him through this significant milestone.
Stallone has had a storied personal life, marked by three marriages. His first wife, Sasha Czack, was married to him from 1978 until their divorce in 1985. He then wed Brigitte Nielsen in December 1985, but their marriage lasted only two years. In 1997, Stallone married Flavin, who is 23 years his junior, after a remarkable meeting at a restaurant in Beverly Hills that Stallone described as a serendipitous encounter. They hit it off immediately and shared a strong bond from their first night together.
Flavin has transitioned from modeling to a career as a businesswoman. She co-owns Serious Skin Care, a well-known skincare line that achieved national success, grossing over $1 billion since her partnership began in 1994.
The couple faced challenges in their relationship, notably a separation in 1994, spurred by Stallone’s brief engagement to Janice Dickinson, which was followed by a rekindling of his romance with Flavin. Their marriage was put to the test again in August 2022 when Flavin filed for divorce after 25 years, citing differences in their personalities and lifestyle. However, after a month apart, they reconciled and chose to resolve their issues amicably, focusing on their family.
Stallone is a father to five children, including his sons Sage, who passed away in 2012, and Seargeoh, along with three daughters—Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet—whom he shares with Flavin. Seargeoh, diagnosed with autism as a child, has kept a low profile away from the public eye. In contrast, Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet have embraced their visibility, serving as Golden Globe Ambassadors and appearing on their family’s reality show, “The Family Stallone.”
Sage’s death from heart disease in 2012 was a devastating loss for Stallone, who has opened up about the challenges of balancing his career and family life. He reflected on the personal toll of prioritizing professional commitments over family, illustrating the emotional depth of his experiences that have resonated with audiences.
As Stallone prepares to be honored at the Kennedy Center, his journey through personal and professional triumphs and tribulations continues to inspire many, highlighting the importance of resilience and family bonds in navigating life’s challenges.