Nick Hogan is paying tribute to his father, the late Hulk Hogan.
The professional wrestling legend died July 24 in Clearwater, Florida, at age 71 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. A statement shared to his official social media accounts said the wrestler died “surrounded by his loved ones.”
Tributes poured in for Hulk Hogan after his death, including from fellow WWE star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
His family also shared tributes, including son Nick Hogan, who remembered his father in an emotional Instagram post on July 26.
Nick Hogan posted a series of photos posing with his dad in recent years, as well as several throwback snaps. He began his caption with a message of gratitude to those who’ve sent their support.
“I’m sorry to everyone I have not responded to yet. This has been overwhelming and extremely difficult,” he wrote. “Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting.”
Nick Hogan called his father “the most incredible person” he’d known, adding that he would “always be my hero.”
“He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for,” he added. “I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world. He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain.”
The “Hogan Knows Best” star noted that he had the opportunity to be able to thank his dad for “everything he has ever done for me” and “told him how much I loved him and hugged him every chance I got.”
“I spent a lot of time with him the past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him and I am so grateful for those memories,” Nick Hogan shared. “They are the best moments in my life. I would do anything to have him back but I know now that he will always be watching over me. I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud.”
Nick Hogan ended his emotional tribute on a sentimental note, writing, “Thank you for being the best dad in the world and thank you for being my best friend. I love you so much Big Dog and I will miss you forever.”
Hulk Hogan was married three times and welcomed two children with his first wife, Linda Hogan: daughter Brooke Hogan, born in 1988, and son Nick Hogan, born in 1990.
Sky Daily, Hulk Hogan’s third wife, whom he married in September 2023, shared a heartbreaking tribute to the late pro wrestler July 25 and addressed his recent health issues.
“I wasn’t ready for this…and my heart is in pieces,” Daily wrote alongside a photo of her kissing her husband’s cheek. “He had been dealing with some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time.”
Daily called the loss “sudden” and “impossible to process,” adding, “To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.”
Hulk Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, was estranged from her parents in the time leading up to her father’s death. In March, she opened up about going no-contact with her parents, writing that the decision “was made purely on how they have dealt with me directly my entire life.”
After Hulk Hogan’s death, her husband, Steven Oleksy, with whom she shares two children, posted a message on social media thanking fans for their support during the difficult time.
“Thank you for the love and support for my beautiful wife,” Oleksy wrote in the post. “We are incredibly lucky to have you in our lives — not just during this challenging time, but always.”
