Rita Wilson gave her Instagram followers plenty to talk about when she shared a topless photograph revealing an elaborate tattoo design across her back.
The 69-year-old actress and singer posted the image as part of a carousel, showing an ornate cross stretching from between her shoulder blades towards her lower back.
The intricate design featured interlocking geometric lines, shaded edges and rounded flourishes. Another design was visible on her upper arm, featuring a sun motif above several lines of lettering.
© InstagramRita was photographed from behind, smiling as she turned her head to the side. She wore her hair swept into a loose updo, leaving the artwork visible, and accessorised with delicate earrings and a gold necklace.
The image did not establish whether the designs were permanent or temporary, but it certainly attracted attention in the comments. Actor Jonathan Tucker singled out the artwork, writing: "The tattoo", while Heather Dubrow added: "Love this !!!!"
Author Suleika Jaouad commented: "Iconic!!!" alongside a red heart, and another follower wrote: "*BETTER with Age!"
Rita Wilson explained how her opinion of tattoos changed
Rita previously spoke about reconsidering her assumptions about tattoos during an interview with The Cut. The conversation prompted her to mention her own family, telling her interviewer: "My son is covered also."
© FilmMagicShe explained that, when she was growing up, tattoos were often associated with criminality, shaping the way she initially perceived them. A conversation with a tattoo artist later encouraged her to think differently.
"And I recently met a tattoo artist," Rita recalled, before explaining how the woman had described her clients' reasons for choosing body art.
Rather than viewing tattoos through those old stereotypes, Rita began considering what someone might be communicating about themselves through a particular image or design. "So now when I look at somebody's tattoo, I look at them in a different way," she said.
Rita Wilson's new song about getting older
The Instagram post came as Rita released new music exploring the freedom that can come with age. Her song Stranger With Age arrived on September 18 as part of the deluxe edition of her sixth studio album, Sound of a Woman. The original album was released in May and explored experiences including womanhood, relationships and personal change. The Music Universe reported that Anderson East produced the new track.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesRita explained that she immediately wanted to record the song after hearing Liz Rose and Lori McKenna play it in Nashville. Speaking about its message, she described reaching a stage in life when other people's opinions carried less weight. "It's about removing pretense and being unfiltered in a way that feels liberating," she said.
Her music career also continued to take her on the road. Alongside the release, Rita's schedule included performances at AmericanaFest in Nashville, followed by European and UK dates in November and a West Coast run in December.
Rita Wilson's changing relationship with her body
Earlier this year, Rita also spoke candidly about how motherhood and breast cancer had shaped her appreciation of her body.
The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a double mastectomy. In a May interview with People, she discussed those experiences in connection with her song Whose Body Is This?
© Getty ImagesReflecting on pregnancy and caring for her children, she described feeling grateful for what her body had made possible.
"I remember distinctly just being amazed at what it could do," she said, in comments reported by iHeart.
Following surgery, Rita explained that she had needed to acknowledge what had changed while also recognising her body's capacity to recover.
That willingness to embrace change carried through to her latest music. Discussing Stranger With Age, she offered a succinct response to anyone who might question her choices. "If people think you're strange, bring it on!"
