Brooke Hogan Reflects on Late Father Hulk Hogan Amid Estrangement
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/brooke-hogan-hulk-hogan-092623-2-30b5680bd36c4f27a9f43c11c608280b.jpg)

Brooke Hogan has shared a poignant tribute to her late father, WWE icon Hulk Hogan, nearly nine months following his death. On 14 April, she took to Instagram to post a black-and-white illustration depicting the two of them in an embrace, accompanied by a heartfelt caption that read, “If my love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away from a heart attack at his home in Florida on 24 July. His death has prompted a wave of emotional responses from fans and family alike, but the relationship between Hulk and Brooke was particularly complex. Just days after his passing, Brooke publicly expressed her grief and shared a lengthy tribute that delved into their strained connection.

In her tribute, she reflected, “My dad’s blood runs through my veins. His eyes shine through my children,” referring to her twins with former NHL player Steven Oleksy. Brooke conveyed the emotional impact of her father’s death, stating, “When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him.” This sentiment captures the deep bond they shared, despite their recent estrangement.
Brooke’s relationship with her father had taken a turn for the worse in the years leading up to his death, leading her to request to be excluded from his will. Addressing the estrangement, she noted, “It was a series of private phone calls no one will ever hear, know, or understand.” Her reflections reveal not only the emotional struggles she faced but also the burden of knowing her father confided in her about his personal and professional difficulties.
Steven Oleksy, who is married to Brooke, remarked earlier that Hulk showed “no interest” in meeting his grandchildren, despite Brooke’s unwavering support during his medical issues over the years. This context adds another layer of complexity as it highlights the differing perspectives within the family.
Brooke made the decision not to attend her father’s funeral, a choice she later elaborated on Instagram. She explained that Hulk would not have wanted a traditional funeral, describing him as someone who “hated the morbidity of funerals.” Instead, she chose to honour his memory privately—reflecting a desire to connect with him in a way she felt was most appropriate.
Her tribute comes as interest in Hulk Hogan continues with the imminent release of a new Netflix docuseries titled “Hulk Hogan: Real American.” This series is set to premiere on 22 April and will delve into his life and career, featuring his final interview. Notably, Brooke does not appear in the documentary, which may further underscore the complexities of their relationship.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy in the world of professional wrestling is monumental, and his death has sparked discussions about his life, both personal and public. Brooke’s reflections provide a glimpse into the familial challenges that can exist behind the scenes of such public figures. Her heartfelt sentiments resonate with many who have experienced loss, though her relationship with her father adds a layer of intrigue to their story.
As the world remembers Hulk Hogan, Brooke’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of familial love and the pain of estrangement, underscoring that even the most celebrated figures can leave behind unresolved relationships.
