The world was stunned by the passing of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, who left us on July 24 at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home. Amid the tributes that poured in for the iconic figure, his daughter Brooke Oleksy found herself needing to clarify her absence from these events.
His family, mourning the loss, shared a heartfelt statement with the world: “With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Terry Bollea, known as Hulk Hogan, passed surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind cherished memories for millions of fans worldwide, having touched lives with his unmatched charisma and spirit for over forty years. We will miss him but never forget him.”
The WWE paid its respects, hailing Hogan as a pop culture icon whose charisma and larger-than-life persona propelled them to worldwide fame during the 1980s. Hulk Hogan is survived by his two beloved children, Brooke and Nick, from his marriage to Linda Hogan, and his wife of two years, Sky Daily.
Many colleagues and fans, including wrestling stars, paid homage to the great wrestler. They expressed shock and sadness while sharing their fond memories of a man who was more than just a colleague; to many, he was a friend and family.
WWE’s Monday Night Raw on July 29 opened with a somber 10-bell salute in memory of the Hall of Famer. Though Nick, Hogan’s son, was present, Brooke was absent. She later cleared the air, explaining it wasn’t by choice.
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025
Through her Instagram Stories, Brooke addressed the situation head-on, saying, “For all questioning why I wasn’t at my dad’s tributes, WWE didn’t extend an invite to me.”
Despite not attending the tribute, Brooke publicly shared her grief and love for her father through a heartfelt Instagram post. She shared touching photos, accompanied by the words: “Dearest Daddy, you were my world and always will be. I am PROUD to be your daughter and carry forward the light you spread. Our bond is eternal and reassures me through your absence. Love you beyond the stars, 4LifeAfterLife. Your Forever Baby, Brooke.”
In a deeper message, she silenced any whispers of family estrangement, expressing, “Our bond transcended words. I’m thankful I knew him beyond the public persona, to the man at his core, full of love and light.”
Despite the public tributes, for Brooke, her father’s memory carries on in a deeply personal way, cherished within her heart and life.
