Busy Philipps Reveals Emotional Meaning Behind Tattoo She Got with Her Best Friend: 'It’s Really Beautiful'

The 'Mean Girls' actress' forearm ink was adapted by a painting done by her late friend, she revealed on 'Today'

The story behind Busy Philipps’ latest tattoo is a beautiful one.

While appearing on the Today show on Wednesday, the Mean Girls actress, 44, revealed the sweet story behind one of the art pieces in her ink collection, which she says she began amassing five years ago.

During a segment titled “All Rise for Judge Busy,” the actress offered rulings on several topics, including couples getting matching tattoos — which prompted her to discuss some of her own ink.

Related: The Heartwarming Stories Behind 18 of the Sweetest Celebrity Tattoos Ever

“So I just got best friend tattoos with my best friend, Christine, in honor of our third best friend who passed away,” Philipps said.

The forearm tattoo — a delicate, water color-esque flower inked by artist Eva Edelstein — was adapted from a piece of art created by the actress’ late friend, Kate.

"It was a painting that my friend had done when she was sick and going through treatment,” Philipps said. "So I think it’s really beautiful and meaningful."

"And so I am a fan of meaningful tattoos that you get with someone,” she added.

Related: Breaking Up Is Hard 'Tattoo': Celebs Who Have Removed Their Ex-Themed Ink

The Freaks and Geeks alum first debuted the matching ink on Instagram in October 2023, sharing a collection of photos including the tattoo, the original artwork, and a photo of her, Christine and Kate.

“Thank you so much @eva_tattooist for taking our beautiful Kategirl’s art and using your own exquisite talent to transform it into our new gorgeous tattoos,” she wrote in the caption. “@chrissybchrissy and I love them so much and having this sweet reminder that she’s always with us means the world.”

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Also in Philipps’ ink collection is a fine-line arm tattoo of a cricket — a tribute to her youngest child, Cricket, 10. (The star also shares Birdie, 15, with ex-husband, Marc Silverstein.)

Related: Busy Philipps' 2 Kids: All About Birdie and Cricket

The actress debuted the black-and-white insect tat, done by artist Scott Campbell, on Instagram in August 2019, writing, “I ❤️ my little magical 🦗.”

Shortly after, in September 2019, Philipps shared that she had also gotten another arm tattoo to honor Birdie — a colorful hummingbird.

“Thank you @gee.tattoo, she’s perfect and beautiful and so full of color and depth and life, just like our real life Bird,” the actress said of the fresh ink.

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