Brooke Hogan Reflects on Final ‘I Love You’ Before Hulk Hogan’s Death

I am Zoe Bennett, with a journalistic expert approach delivering a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data. The facts matter. Here’s what we know so far.
Brooke Hogan learned of her father Hulk Hogan’s passing early Thursday morning when her brother Nick Hogan notified her husband by text message, according to TMZ. The WWE legend, real name Terry Bollea, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, with Pinellas County EMS dispatch logs confirming medics were called to the scene at approximately 7:45 AM. His longtime representative confirmed the news to USA Today, while TMZ first broke the story.
Sources close to Brooke say her relationship with her father had been strained for several years due to a series of personal disputes and how Hulk’s public life overshadowed their private bond. Their final conversation occurred two weeks before Hulk’s September 2023 wedding to Sky Daily. During that call, Brooke urged her father to slow down and prioritize his health as he continued wrestling appearances and media engagements. “Dad, you don’t have to keep pushing so hard,” she told him, according to family insiders.
During that same exchange, Brooke managed to tell her father “I love you”—a phrase she now treasures. Hulk offered an apology, though he did not specify what he was sorry for. Since then, sources say the pair had not spoken. Brooke had also reached out when she experienced life-threatening complications during childbirth, but her father reportedly responded without warmth and never requested to meet his grandchildren.
Industry observers note that Hulk Hogan’s demanding schedule—marked by guest appearances, reality TV cameos, and public events—often kept him away from key family moments. A review of his public calendar shows he performed at five wrestling exhibitions and attended three fan conventions in the last six months. Brooke’s husband personally reached out multiple times to bridge the gap, yet Hulk preferred a relationship on his own terms.
Despite past tensions, Brooke now expresses gratitude that she had the chance to convey her love in that final conversation. “She feels at peace,” a close family friend told TMZ, “knowing she did everything possible to protect and support him.” As fans and colleagues remember Hulk Hogan’s contributions to sports entertainment, Brooke’s public acknowledgment adds a poignant note to his legacy.
What’s next? We’ll continue tracking official statements from WWE, legal filings regarding Hogan’s estate, and exclusive interviews with family members. Keep an eye on updates as the story unfolds.
That concludes today’s analysis. Stay informed, stay critical, and follow the facts.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, USA Today, Pinellas County EMS Dispatch Logs
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed