Brooke Hogan, the daughter of the legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, has bravely opened up about her father’s death in a deeply emotional Instagram post. Her tribute comes during a challenging time, as she reflects on their complicated relationship marked by estrangement.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away unexpectedly on July 24 in Clearwater, Florida. On July 29, Brooke, who is 37, shared her pain and sorrow with her followers, expressing that it felt like “part of my spirit left with him.” In her heartfelt message, she unpacked her father’s health struggles in recent years and aimed to clarify misunderstandings surrounding their distance.
“When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him. I felt it before the news even reached us,” Brooke shared, pouring out her feelings. She found comfort in the belief that her father is now at peace, free from suffering, and cherished the moments when he spoke about the afterlife with hope and wonder.
Brooke felt it was essential to address their estrangement honestly. It wasn’t just one argument that created a rift; rather, it was a buildup of many private conversations over time. “He confided in me about personal struggles and business issues, and I tried to be his support. I told him to take care of himself,” she explained.
She and her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy, moved to Florida to be closer to Hulk as he faced significant health challenges. Despite their efforts, Brooke shared how she began to feel a growing disconnect from her father. “It was as if a thick veil had come between us,” she recalled, noting the emotional toll their disagreements had taken on her. “I had to step back to protect my heart.”
During this time apart, Steven had communicated with Hulk in hopes of mending the relationship. After Hulk’s passing, Brooke discovered messages exchanged between them—some answered, some ignored—which shattered her heart all over again.
“I know in my heart I did everything I could for him,” she said, her love for her father evident in her words. “He knew I would go to great lengths for him, and I did. I loved him deeply, and I find peace in that.”
Emergency services were called to Hogan’s home shortly before his death, a stark reminder of the abrupt end to an iconic life. Hulk also has a son, Nick, with his ex-wife Linda, who Brooke revealed has not been in touch with her either.
Brooke, once a reality TV star on “Hogan Knows Best,” has since focused on her design career and recently celebrated the birth of her fraternal twins in January 2025.
In the wake of her father’s passing, many celebrities, including Dwayne Johnson and Sylvester Stallone, have reached out to offer their condolences and support to the Hogan family during this heartbreaking time. Brooke’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the love and complexity that exists within family relationships.