A Heartfelt Farewell
Brooke Hogan recently broke her silence following the passing of her father, Hulk Hogan, who was known for his larger-than-life persona in the world of professional wrestling. The two had been estranged during the last two years of his life, a period marked by personal and emotional challenges. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71 after suffering a major heart attack. His death left a void in the lives of his wife, Sky Daily, and their children, Brooke and Nick, whom he had with his first wife, Linda.
Reconnecting Through Memories
In an emotional and candid Instagram post, Brooke shared her feelings about the complex relationship she had with her father. She began by emphasizing that their bond had never truly broken, despite the turbulence they experienced over the years. "When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him," she wrote. "I felt it before the news even reached us." She expressed that she believed her father was now at peace, free from pain, and in a place as beautiful as he had imagined. "He used to speak about this moment with such wonder and hope. Like meeting God was the greatest championship he'd ever have."
Brooke also reflected on her childhood, describing her father as "home" to her. She revealed that her daughter, Molly, was named in his honor and that she reminded her of Hulk every day. This connection brought comfort during a difficult time.
Clarifying the Situation
The 37-year-old took the opportunity to set the record straight about the reported rift between her and her father. She clarified that there was no single incident or big fight that caused the breakdown. Instead, she described a series of private phone calls that only she and her father would understand. "It was a series of private phone calls no one will ever hear, know, or understand," she said. She explained that her father was confiding in her about issues that weighed on his heart, both personal and business-related. She offered to be a support system, telling him he had her support and begging him to rest and take care of himself.
Brooke mentioned that she and her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy, moved to Florida to be closer to her father and help him recover from almost 25 surgeries. However, things changed quickly. "Then all of a sudden, he didn't want me at surgeries... everything started getting covered in a thick veil. It was like there was a force field around him that I couldn't get through," she recalled. She described how her father's behavior shifted, making a choice that clearly affected his spirit.
Making a Difficult Decision
Despite the emotional struggle, Brooke made the difficult decision to step away from her father to protect her heart. She emphasized that she had to distance herself due to a series of respectful disagreements. "I know in my heart I did everything I could," she said. "He knew I would run through a burning building for him. And in many ways, along the path of life, I did. He knows how deeply, how hard and how purely I loved him. I am at peace knowing this."
She concluded her message by expressing gratitude for the love, tributes, and memorials from fans and friends. "His life was one worth celebrating — and always will be."
A New Chapter
Brooke rose to fame after starring on her family's reality show, Hogan Knows Best, from 2005 to 2007. After that, she chose to live a private life away from the spotlight with her husband and their twins, Oliver and Molly, whom they welcomed in January 2025. Her mother, Linda, had previously hinted at the family's estrangement from Brooke in an Instagram story, revealing that "Brooke doesn't talk to us. She had twins, she got married [and] she didn't tell us."
Hulk and Linda divorced in 2009 after 24 years of marriage; they also welcomed their son Nick two years after Brooke's birth in 1988. Their story is a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the importance of understanding and compassion.
