Following the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, his daughter Brooke Oleksy has spoken out after facing backlash for not attending recent WWE tribute events honoring her late father.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71, reportedly following a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. His family confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement:
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones… May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
WWE also paid tribute to Hogan, describing him as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who helped catapult the organization to global fame during the 1980s.
Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his marriage to ex-wife Linda Hogan, as well as his wife of two years, Sky Daily.
At WWE’s Monday Night Raw on July 29, the show opened with a 10-bell salute to the Hall of Famer. Hogan’s son Nick was in attendance, while Brooke was notably absent, something she says was beyond her control.
Taking to Instagram Stories, the 37-year-old addressed the criticism directly: “For those of you giving me crap for not attending my dad’s tributes, @wwe did not extend an invite.”
Brooke also shared an emotional tribute to her father on Instagram, posting a series of photos and writing: “My Dearest Daddy, You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter, for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world… Our bond is eternal. That truth brings me comfort and hope, even in your absence. I love you more than all the stars in the sky, 4LifeAfterLife. Forever yours, Brooke.”
In a longer message, she shut down any suggestion of estrangement between them. “Our connection was deeper than words,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful I got to know the real version of him, not just the one the world viewed through a carefully curated lens.”
Hogan’s legacy continues to be honored by fans and colleagues alike, but for Brooke, her father’s memory lives on in a more personal, profound way.