NEED TO KNOW
Nick Hogan is remembering his father Hulk Hogan as both his “best friend” and the “best dad in the world.”
On Saturday, July 26, the 35-year-old son of the late pro-wrestling star shared an emotional tribute to Instagram, two days after Hulk died at the age of 71. Alongside 20 photos of himself and his father, Nick posted a lengthy caption, thanking those who’ve reached out to him and calling Hulk’s death “overwhelming and extremely difficult.”
“Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting,” Nick wrote. “My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero. He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for. 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,” he continued. “I thanked him 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. They are the best moments in my life.”
Nick Hogan/Instagram
Nick concluded his tribute by writing that he’d “do anything to have him back,” before acknowledging Hulk is now “watching over” him. “I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud,” he wrote. “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.”
The emotional tribute featured photos of Nick and Hulk spanning three decades — from a screenshot of a WWE broadcast featuring the father-son duo wearing matching “Hulkamania” attire to a snap of them years later in matching white button-up shirts.
In the photos, Nick and Hulk could also be seen working out together at the gym, smiling on a private jet, driving on a road trip and even behind a DJ booth — as the post wrapped with one final photo of Nick showing off his muscles next to his father.
Several fans and friends shared their condolences with Nick in the post’s comments section, with professional wrestler Nattie Neidhart recognizing his “beautiful words” and Lil Jon sharing some additional love. Nick’s last post on the platform came just over a month prior to his father’s death, when he wished Hulk a happy Father’s Day, alongside a throwback snap of the duo striking a pose when he was a kid.
Nick Hogan/Instagram
The WWE confirmed the news of Hulk’s death on Thursday in a statement shared with PEOPLE. First responders spent 30 minutes attempting to revive Hogan this week after being called to his home for a reported cardiac arrest at 9:51 a.m. on Thursday, before he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Beyond his accomplishments in wrestling throughout his lifetime, Hogan also faced multiple controversies in recent years, including backlash for his support of President Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention and a racist rant leaked in 2015 — which he later called “unacceptable” in an apology.
Hulk, whose real name was Terry Bollea, shared both Nick and daughter Brooke with ex Linda Hogan, whom he was married to from 1983 until 2009.
His wife, Sky Daily, also posted a tribute to the reality television star after his death this week, confirming that he “had been dealing with” health issues. “I wasn’t ready for this…and my heart is in pieces,” Daily, his third wife, wrote on Friday. “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.”
“This loss is sudden and impossible to process,” she added. “To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.”
