Renowned actress and musician Rita Wilson recently took to social media to unveil a striking new tattoo while simultaneously promoting her latest single, “Stranger With Age.” On 19 September, the 69-year-old artistic talent shared a bold topless photograph on Instagram that revealed a large cross tattoo, a design that closely resembles one inked on her son, Chet Hanks. This personalised gesture highlights their strong connection and shared creative inspirations.
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In her Instagram post, Wilson playfully queried her followers with: “STRANGER WITH AGE? Who? Me? I’m lovin’ it! Who else is stranger with age? STRANGER WITH AGE song is out everywhere,” effectively promoting her new single from the deluxe edition of her album, “Sound of a Woman.” The tattoo, which spans the entirety of her back, not only adds to her artistic persona but also serves as a visual link to her son, Chet, whose tattoo was first showcased in a social media clip back in May.
In a recent interview conducted by Melissa Rivers, which was shared via Wilson’s Instagram Stories on 23 September, the musician elaborated on the themes embodied in her new song. Co-written by Nashville songwriters Liz Rose and Lori McKenna, “Stranger With Age” encapsulates the notion that as individuals grow older, they become more liberated to pursue activities previously deemed unthinkable. Wilson expressed her connection to the song by stating, “We’re liberated by our own belief systems of what age was or what we should be doing.” This sentiment resonates with the overarching message of her album, which encourages individuals to find and embrace their voices.
Wilson’s encouragement to embrace one’s uniqueness is a recurring theme in her music. She touted the idea of living authentically by urging others to “Be strange!”, a call to action that reflects her own artistic journey and the exploration of personal identity through age.
Family plays a vital role in Wilson’s inspiration, particularly her husband, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. The couple, whose marriage has flourished since 1988, recently shared insights with PEOPLE about their relationship and creative pursuits. Chet Hanks expressed his admiration for Wilson’s courage and dedication, describing her passion as both entertaining and inspiring. He remarked, “I am proud. I am entertained. I am gasped and often I’m also left at home when she gets up and takes care of business,” showcasing the supportive dynamic within their family.
The family bond extends to their professional collaborations, with Wilson recalling an earlier project that featured her son. Chet, who initially gained attention as a rapper under the name Chet Haze, was featured on his mother’s 2018 song, “Heart He Handed Down.” Wilson reminisced about the track, highlighting its deep connection to her father’s journey from Bulgaria to America. She expressed her hope for a collaborative effort in the future, stating that it would be “amazing” to have Chet provide harmonies on her upcoming tracks.
Wilson’s recent tour has been another platform for familial support, with Chet often joining her when schedules align. As she traverses various cities across the United States and Europe, both mother and son continue to nurture their creative connection while maintaining their individual artistic identities.
As “Stranger With Age” continues to resonate with listeners, Rita Wilson exemplifies how age can bring about new forms of artistic expression and personal freedom. Her journey underscores the importance of embracing change and unconventionality, encouraging others to find solace and strength in their unique paths. The vibrant relationship shared with her family only serves to enhance this journey, making it clear that creativity knows no age limit.
With her new music and significant personal milestones, Wilson firmly positions herself as a beacon of inspiration, consistently challenging societal norms tied to age and self-expression. As she proudly wears her new tattoo, it is evident that she not only embraces the beauty of ageing but also encourages others to do the same.