Brooke Hogan, daughter of WWE legend Hulk Hogan, has publicly addressed the passing of her father, who died on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. In a heartfelt and revealing statement published on her Instagram on July 29, Brooke opened up about their complicated relationship during his final years, her enduring love for him, and the profound impact his death has had on her family and herself[1][2][3].

Brooke’s statement offers fans and wrestling followers a rare glimpse into the personal side of the iconic wrestling figure beyond his public persona. She began by affirming the deep bond she shared with Hulk Hogan: “My dad’s blood runs through my veins. His eyes shine through my children. And our bond has never broken, not even in his final moments. We had a connection deeper than words, one that spanned lifetimes”[3].

Despite reports of estrangement in recent years, Brooke expressed immense gratitude for having known the “real version” of her father, beyond the carefully controlled public image. She described their relationship as a “quiet, sacred bond,” visible to those who witnessed their interaction. Brooke also shared touching memories of their time together—jet ski rides, building Barbie dream houses, and the special love her father had for the ocean and sunsets[3][4].

However, Brooke also took the opportunity to clear up misunderstandings about the strain in their relationship close to his passing. After she and her husband moved to Florida to be near Hulk Hogan, Brooke revealed that her father suddenly grew distant, even refusing her presence during his surgeries. She described those final years as being shrouded “in a thick veil” and lamented the emotional distance that formed between them[2].

A source close to the family, as reported by TMZ, said that Brooke and Hulk spoke for the last time two years ago—weeks before his wedding to Sky Daily. During that conversation, Brooke expressed concern for his health, urging him to slow down, but he resisted. Hulk apologized to Brooke during that call, although the exact nature of the apology remains private[1][5]. Brooke has since said she is grateful she had the chance to tell him she loved him, despite their estrangement[1].

The wrestler’s death was sudden. Paramedics responded to a call of cardiac arrest at Hulk Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter[1]. News of Hulk Hogan’s passing sent shockwaves through both the wrestling community and popular culture, given his decades-long impact on professional wrestling and media.

Brooke ended her emotional statement by focusing on hope and the eternal nature of their bond. Reflecting on her father’s belief in life beyond death, she wrote, “I truly believe that — we will find each other in every lifetime. I know he’s at peace now, out of pain, and in a place as beautiful as he imagined. He used to speak about this moment with such wonder and hope. Like meeting God was the greatest championship he’d ever have”[3].

Brooke also shared that through her children, especially her daughter Molly Gene (named in honor of Hulk Hogan), she still feels the presence of her father. “He lives through me, and through them. The greatest gift a father could ever give — A love that goes on… long after we’re gone,” she wrote[3].

The WWE community and fans have extended their condolences following Hulk Hogan’s death. WWE.com and other wrestling media outlets have highlighted his legacy as one of the most influential and recognizable figures in wrestling history. Fightful and other reputable wrestling news platforms have also reported extensively on Brooke’s statement, emphasizing both the love and complexity within the Hogan family during Hulk’s final years[3].

In sum, Brooke Hogan’s candid tribute offers a moving portrait of Hulk Hogan as a father, not just a wrestling icon, revealing a personal story of love, loss, and complicated family ties. Her message resonates as a testament to the enduring power of familial bonds, even when tested by time and circumstance.

According to a WWE insider, “Brooke’s statement captured the nuanced reality many wrestlers and their families face—balancing public legacy with private struggles. It’s a heartfelt reminder that behind every larger-than-life figure, there’s a deeply human story” (source anonymous).

As the wrestling world continues to mourn, Brooke Hogan’s words provide a meaningful perspective on an extraordinary life and the sacred bonds that transcend even death. Fans and family alike will remember Hulk Hogan not only as a legendary athlete and entertainer but as a father whose legacy lives on through those who loved him most.