Brooke Hogan’s Husband Makes First Public Statement After Her Legendary Dad’s Passing

Hulk Hogan‘s family is still processing the loss of the wrestling icon, who died unexpectedly at age 71. Though Brooke Hogan hasn’t spoken publicly since the death of her father, Hulk Hogan, her husband and close friend are speaking on her behalf.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24 following a reported cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. While Brooke has remained silent, her longtime friend Ashley Kora took to Instagram Stories with a moving tribute.

Brooke Hogan’s Friend & Husband Share Emotional Tributes After Hulk Hogan’s Death

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“My dear sweet friend @mizzhogan lost her father today,” Ashley wrote over a black-and-white photo of Brooke with her dad, as per E! News. “He died knowing what I know—Brooke loved him deeply, was fiercely loyal, and only ever wanted him to be peaceful, happy, and surrounded by people who valued him for who he really was.”

Ashley added, “He chose differently for himself. But we can still remember him as a doting father to a little girl with big dreams and a bigger heart. The world lost a legend, we lost Mr. Bollea, Brooke’s dad.”

Brooke’s husband, retired NHL player Steven Oleksy, reposted Ashley’s tribute with a heartfelt message of his own. As per E! News, he responded: “Thank you for the love and support for my beautiful wife. We are incredibly lucky to have you in our lives—not just during this challenging time, but always.”

Brooke Hogan Was Estranged From Hulk Before His Death, But The Found Closure

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While the outpouring of love underscores Brooke’s deep affection for her father, the two were not in contact at the time of his passing. However, in the weeks leading up to his death, Hulk Hogan and his daughter, Brooke, shared a rare, heartfelt conversation that brought quiet closure.

According to TMZ, their final exchange, just two weeks before his 2023 wedding, was emotional, with Brooke expressing love and concern for his health, and Hogan offering a soft apology that she has held onto ever since.

Brooke, 37, and her younger brother Nick, 34, are Hulk’s children with ex-wife Linda, to whom he was married for 26 years. Despite their split, Linda posted a nostalgic throwback photo with Hulk just days before his death, captioned, “The good old days!”

Earlier this year, Brooke welcomed twins, Oliver and Molly, with Steven, marking a new chapter in her life as a mother while still grappling with a complicated family past.