Introduction to a Personal Tribute
When the world lost wrestling legend Hulk Hogan on July 24, 2025, fans and family alike grappled with the void left by the larger-than-life icon. His daughter, Brooke Hogan Oleksy, chose not to attend his funeral, a decision that sparked curiosity and conversation. Instead, she honored her father in a deeply personal way, reflecting her unique bond with him. This article explores Brooke’s reasons, the complexities of their relationship, and how she chose to celebrate her father’s legacy in a manner true to her heart.
The Life and Legacy of Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was a towering figure in professional wrestling, synonymous with the rise of WWE (formerly WWF) in the 1980s. His charisma, signature leg drop, and “Hulkamania” phenomenon made him a global superstar. Beyond the ring, Hogan starred in films, reality TV shows like Hogan Knows Best, and even video games, cementing his status as a pop culture icon. His death at 71 from a heart attack, compounded by atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, marked the end of an era.
A Larger-Than-Life Figure
Hogan’s influence extended far beyond wrestling, shaping the industry and inspiring generations. His private funeral in Clearwater, Florida, on August 5, 2025, drew notable figures like Kid Rock, Vince McMahon, and Hogan’s third wife, Sky Daily. Yet, the absence of his daughter Brooke was conspicuous, prompting her to share her reasoning publicly.
Brooke Hogan’s Decision to Skip the Funeral
Brooke Hogan Oleksy, now 37, revealed on Instagram that her father despised the somber nature of funerals and explicitly stated he didn’t want one. “My father hated the morbidity of funerals. He didn’t want one,” she wrote, emphasizing her choice to honor him privately. Instead of attending the formal service, Brooke took her husband, Steven Oleksy, and their seven-month-old twins, Oliver and Molly, to the beach—a place Hulk cherished.
A Personal Tribute at the Beach
Brooke’s decision was rooted in her desire to commemorate her father in a way that felt authentic. She described taking her twins to the “salty waters” Hulk loved, noting, “Every grain of sand and every wave reminded me of being your beach baby.” This intimate act, she felt, brought her closer to her father’s spirit than a traditional funeral could.
The Complex Relationship Between Brooke and Hulk
Brooke and Hulk’s relationship was not without its challenges. The father-daughter duo gained fame through Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007, showcasing their playful yet sometimes strained dynamic. Over time, their relationship became estranged, with Brooke citing “a series of private phone calls no one will ever hear, know, or understand” as the cause, rather than a single dramatic fallout.
Estrangement and Personal Growth
By 2023, Brooke had distanced herself from both Hulk and her mother, Linda Hogan, for reasons she described as personal and unrelated to each other. In a March 2025 Instagram post, she explained, “No contact with my Mom has nothing to do with my Dad, and no contact with my Father has nothing to do with my Mother.” She emphasized her focus on her new family and her journey toward healing, noting therapy as a tool to break generational cycles.
Brooke’s Concerns About Hulk’s Will
Adding to the complexity, Brooke revealed on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show that she requested to be removed from her father’s will. Fearing potential legal disputes with her mother, Linda, and Hulk’s third wife, Sky Daily, she stated, “I just said, take me off everything, I don’t want to be a part of it.” This decision underscored her desire to avoid conflict and protect her peace.
Honoring Hulk Hogan’s Memory
Brooke’s beach tribute was not just a rejection of traditional mourning but a celebration of her father’s passions. She noted that her daughter Molly seemed to love the water, echoing Hulk’s nickname for Brooke, “little fish.” The absence of Hulk’s “pop-up lawn chair watching the waves” was, for Brooke, the only missing piece in an otherwise perfect homage.
A Connection Beyond Words
In a July 29, 2025, Instagram post, Brooke reflected on their bond, writing, “My dad’s blood runs through my veins. His eyes shine through my children.” She described a connection that transcended their estrangement, one that persisted even in his final moments. This emotional depth added layers to her decision to grieve privately, aligning with her father’s wishes.
Public Reaction and Controversy
Brooke’s absence from the funeral and WWE tributes sparked mixed reactions. Some fans criticized her, prompting her to clarify on Instagram Stories that she wasn’t invited to WWE’s televised events on Raw and SmackDown. Her brother, Nick Hogan, attended the Raw tribute, highlighting the differing ways family members chose to mourn.
The AI-Generated Video Controversy
Adding to the public discourse, Linda Hogan shared a now-deleted video in late July 2025, claiming Brooke would not attend the funeral due to past trauma. The video, later revealed to be AI-generated, falsely depicted Brooke accusing her parents of abuse. This incident fueled speculation and underscored the challenges of navigating grief in the public eye.
Brooke’s Life Beyond the Spotlight
Since her reality TV days, Brooke has stepped away from fame, focusing on her family. She married former professional hockey player Steven Oleksy in 2022, and they welcomed twins Oliver and Molly in January 2025. Her choice to prioritize her children and personal healing reflects a shift from the public persona she once embodied.
Balancing Privacy and Public Expectations
Brooke’s decision to grieve privately mirrors her broader life choices. “For my own journey to healing and happiness, I have chosen to create some distance between myself and my family,” she wrote in March 2025. This stance highlights her commitment to protecting her mental health and her children’s well-being.
Why Brooke’s Choice Resonates
Brooke’s story is a reminder that grief is deeply personal. Her decision to honor her father at the beach, rather than a funeral, speaks to the universal need to mourn in ways that feel authentic. For some, it’s a church service; for others, it’s a quiet moment in a place of meaning. Brooke’s tribute invites us to reflect on how we honor those we’ve lost.
The Power of Personal Grief
Grief doesn’t follow a script. Brooke’s choice to bypass the funeral aligns with modern perspectives on mourning, which emphasize individuality over tradition. By sharing her story, she offers validation to others who may feel pressured to grieve in conventional ways.
Pros and Cons of Public vs. Private Mourning
| Aspect | Public Mourning | Private Mourning |
|---|---|---|
| Community Support | Offers shared tributes and collective healing | Limited to close family or personal reflection |
| Emotional Exposure | Can feel performative or overwhelming | Allows for authentic, intimate grieving |
| Public Perception | May invite scrutiny or media attention | Offers privacy but may lead to misunderstanding |
| Connection to Loved One | Structured events may not reflect personal bonds | Tailored to personal memories and preferences |
Comparison: Brooke’s Tribute vs. Traditional Funerals
- Brooke’s Tribute: Intimate, reflective, tied to Hulk’s love for the beach, cost-free, and emotionally fulfilling.
- Traditional Funerals: Formal, community-driven, often expensive, and may not align with the deceased’s wishes.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Why didn’t Brooke Hogan attend her father’s funeral?
Brooke chose not to attend because her father disliked funerals and didn’t want one. She honored him privately by taking her family to the beach, a place he loved, to feel closer to him.
Was Brooke Hogan estranged from her father?
Yes, Brooke and Hulk were estranged for the last two years of his life due to personal reasons she described as private phone conversations. She clarified there was no “big fight” but a mutual distancing.
How did Brooke Hogan honor her father’s memory?
Brooke took her husband and twins to the beach, placing them in the “salty waters” Hulk loved. She shared photos and reflections on Instagram, calling it a tribute that “agreed with her soul.”
Did Brooke Hogan attend any WWE tributes for Hulk Hogan?
No, Brooke stated she was not invited to WWE’s televised tributes on Raw or SmackDown. Her brother, Nick, attended the Raw event, but Brooke chose to mourn privately.
Informational Content: Understanding Grief and Estrangement
Grief is a multifaceted experience, often complicated by family dynamics. Estrangement, like Brooke’s from her parents, is not uncommon—studies suggest 10–15% of families experience some form of estrangement. Causes range from differing values to unresolved conflicts, and reconciliation may not always occur. Brooke’s story highlights the importance of respecting individual grieving processes, even when they diverge from societal norms.
Navigating Family Estrangement
Estrangement doesn’t negate love. Brooke’s tributes reveal a deep affection for her father despite their distance. Experts recommend therapy, as Brooke pursued, to process such relationships and find closure. Resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer support for those navigating family rifts.
Navigational Content: Where to Find Support for Grief
If you’re dealing with grief or estrangement, consider these resources:
- GriefShare: A network of support groups for bereavement (griefshare.org).
- Therapy Platforms: BetterHelp or Talkspace for virtual counseling.
- Books: The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman offers practical steps for healing.
Transactional Content: Tools for Honoring Loved Ones
To create a personal tribute like Brooke’s, consider these tools:
- Photo Books: Services like Shutterfly or Mixbook allow you to compile memories into keepsakes.
- Memorial Jewelry: Etsy offers customizable pieces to carry a loved one’s memory.
- Custom Art: Commission a piece reflecting a loved one’s favorite place, like a beach scene, through platforms like Fiverr.
FAQ Section
Why did Brooke Hogan choose the beach to honor her father?
Brooke chose the beach because it was a place Hulk loved, evoking memories of being his “beach baby.” It felt like the most authentic way to connect with his spirit.
What caused Hulk Hogan’s death?
Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack on July 24, 2025, due to atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to medical records.
How did fans react to Brooke’s absence from the funeral?
Some fans criticized Brooke, but she clarified her choice was personal and aligned with her father’s wishes. Others supported her right to grieve privately.
Did Brooke Hogan have concerns about her father’s death?
Yes, Brooke questioned why no autopsy was performed, wondering about the underlying cause of his heart attack, given his recent health improvements.
Is Brooke Hogan still involved in entertainment?
Brooke has largely stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on her family and personal healing, though she occasionally shares updates on social media.
The Broader Impact of Brooke’s Choice
Brooke’s decision challenges the stigma around non-traditional grieving. By sharing her story, she opens a dialogue about honoring loved ones authentically, even when it defies expectations. Her tribute at the beach, surrounded by her family, reflects a universal truth: love endures, even through distance and loss.
A Call to Reflect
Think about someone you’ve lost. How would you honor them in a way that feels true to your bond? Maybe it’s visiting their favorite park, cooking their signature dish, or, like Brooke, embracing a place that holds shared memories. Her story encourages us to find meaning in our grief, however it looks.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love
Brooke Hogan Oleksy’s choice to skip her father’s funeral wasn’t about rejection but about connection. By taking her twins to the beach, she honored Hulk Hogan in a way that resonated with her soul and his spirit. Her journey—marked by estrangement, reflection, and a commitment to her family—offers a poignant reminder that grief is as unique as the love it stems from. As Brooke wrote, “I pray you are at peace and know how dearly I love you.” In her own way, she ensured Hulk’s legacy lives on, not in a funeral parlor, but in the waves he loved.
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Internal Links: Understanding Grief, Support Resources
External Links: GriefShare, BetterHelp, Shutterfly
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