Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler, has died.
According to Page Six, the celebrated figure passed away at his home in Florida, sparking reflections on his complex familial relationships, particularly with his daughter Brooke Hogan.
Renowned for his charisma inside the ring, Hulk Hogan's personal life saw its share of turbulence. He recently succumbed to a cardiac arrest in his Clearwater home, leaving behind a family that cared deeply despite strained ties. His relationship with his daughter, Brooke, was notably complex, marked by intermittent estrangements and reconciliations.
In their final interactions, Brooke Hogan voiced her concerns about Hulk Hogan's health, urging him to slow down and take better care of himself. The wrestling icon offered a vague apology to his daughter during their last phone call, which occurred two weeks prior to his wedding to Sky Daily in September 2023.
In the wake of his passing, a source close to the family shared insights about Hulk Hogan's relationship with Brooke. "He was very proud of her, she was his little girl," the source noted. The sentiment reflects a softer side of the sports celebrity, often overshadowed by his robust public persona.
Hulk Hogan's health had been a growing concern. He underwent a major surgical procedure, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), to treat his spine in May. This recovery process was significant, impacting not just his spine but also his vocal cords due to the surgical apparatus used during the procedure.
Sky Daily, Hogan's wife, fought vigorously against circulating negative rumors about his health. "His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage. None of those rumors are true," she asserted vigorously earlier in the month, dispelling misinformation and defending her husband's health status.
Sky Daily further articulated the severity of Hulk Hogan's recent health battles, emphasizing the extensive care he required post-surgery:
If you look it up, you’ll see what the last six weeks have involved... not just for his spine, but also for his vocal cords, and the eating/breathing tubes that are clamped over during surgery.
The demise of Hulk Hogan was officially confirmed by his representatives, stating, "Unfortunately, we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning," which highlights the suddenness of his passing and its impact on those close to him. They described Hulk Hogan as an extraordinary human being and friend, marking a significant loss in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Despite the complexities in their relationship, Brooke Hogan found solace in their final exchanges. She expressed gratitude for having openly communicated her love to her father during their last conversation. This emotional closure brought her some peace amidst the grief of losing a parent.
Brooke's statement underscores the depth of their bond: "I'm grateful that I said ‘I love you’ to him in our last conversation and at peace with it, knowing I did all I could."
Hulk Hogan leaves behind a legacy characterized by his immense popularity and influence in professional wrestling. He is survived by his second wife Sky Daily, his first wife Linda Hogan, and their two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan. As the wrestling world mourns, many reminisce about his career triumphs and the human moments that painted a fuller picture of the man behind the persona.
In summary, Hulk Hogan's passing throws light on a life filled with both public accolades and private trials. His final days, marked by heartfelt conversations and unresolved familial tensions, remind us of the complex interplay between public figures and their personal lives.