Following the death of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, his daughter Brooke Oleksy has spoken out after receiving criticism for missing recent WWE memorial ceremonies honoring her late father.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, died on July 24 at the age of 71, allegedly after a heart attack at his home in Florida. His family issued an emotional message to announce the news.
“We certify, with heavy hearts and tremendous regret, that we have lost a legend. Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, passed away tonight, surrounded by loved ones. May we all find comfort in the great memories he left behind for the millions of admirers across the world whose lives he touched for over four decades. ” He’ll be missed but never forgotten.”
WWE also paid tribute to Hogan, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who helped propel the company to global prominence in the 1980s.
Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his previous marriage to Linda Hogan, as well as his two-year-old wife, Sky Daily.
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
WWE’s Monday Night Raw on July 29 began with a 10-bell homage to the Hall of Famer. Hogan’s son Nick was present, but Brooke was noticeably missing, which she maintains was beyond her control.
The 37-year-old answered the criticism directly on Instagram Stories, writing, “For those of you giving me crap for not attending my dad’s tributes, @wwe did not extend an invite.”
Brooke also paid an emotional homage to her father on Instagram, uploading a sequence of images and writing, “My Dearest Daddy, You were my everything, and I’ll always be your girl. I am proud to be your daughter and grateful for your love, light, and kindness. Our tie is forever. Even without you, that reality provides me peace and hope. I adore you more than the stars in the sky, 4LifeAfterLife. Forever yours, Brooke.”
In a lengthy reply, she dismissed any indication of separation 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.”
Fans and colleagues alike continue to appreciate Hogan’s legacy, but Brooke remembers her father in a more personal, profound way.