Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, chose to honor her late father in a deeply personal way, opting out of his private funeral service held in Florida. Instead of attending the gathering, she spent time with her family, basking in the sunset—a decision she described as “the most genuine way” to pay tribute to him. Brooke’s rationale for this choice stems from her father’s dislike of funerals, as he preferred to avoid the somberness associated with them. She expressed her gratitude for the collective events planned in his honor but felt compelled to mark the occasion in her own unique manner, feeling a closer connection to him in a private setting.
Sharing her reflections on social media, Brooke detailed her emotional experience, surrounded by her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy, and their twins. As they watched the sunset at the beach, she felt her father’s spirit with them, particularly recalling fond memories from her childhood as his “beach baby.” Brooke clicked several photos during this moment, illustrating the connection between her father’s love for the ocean and their family gatherings. Her emotional tribute captured the profound impact her father had on her life and family, reinforcing their shared memories by the sea.
Following her father’s passing due to a heart attack, diagnosed with a history of atrial fibrillation, Brooke posted a heartfelt message that traversed her complicated relationship with him. Although they had been estranged in later years, she clarified that their bond was not marked by confrontations; instead, it consisted of private dialogues filled with unexpressed feelings. Her acknowledgment of the complexity in their connection speaks to the often intricate dynamics that can exist in familial relationships, especially in the face of health crises and personal changes.
The private funeral service, held at Indian Rocks Church—the same venue where Hulk was baptized in 2023—saw attendance from close friends and family, including notable WWE figures like Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This gathering served as a heartfelt farewell, uniting those who admired Hulk both as a performer and as a person. Celebrities such as Kid Rock and Bam Margera were also present, emphasizing the impact Hulk had within and beyond the wrestling community.
Brooke’s emotional commentary and social media posts resonated with fans and followers, showcasing her love and admiration for her father, despite their estrangement. The essence of her tribute highlights the varying forms of grief and remembrance individuals experience when mourning a loved one. By opting for a tranquil, loving tribute rather than attending a traditional funeral, she illustrated how connections to family can transcend conventional expressions of grief.
In reflecting on Hulk Hogan’s legacy, both in wrestling and life, Brooke’s approach underscores the importance of personal connection and individual expression in mourning. While traditional funerals serve to gather people and facilitate shared grieving, her choice to honor her father in private brings forth a reminder of the myriad ways one can celebrate the life of someone beloved. Ultimately, her tribute encapsulated love, remembrance, and the unbreakable bond she shared with her father, as they navigated complex family dynamics intertwined with cherished memories.
