EXCLUSIVE: Hulk Hogan's Deathbed Apology – Late WWE Icon Broke Down in Tears and Apologized to Daughter Brooke Over Nasty Family Feud Before His Passing
Hulk Hogan tearfully apologized to daughter Brooke before his passing, ending their long family feud.
Aug. 24 2025, Published 9:00 a.m. ET
One of late WrestleMania star Hulk Hogan's toughest matches was fought outside the ring – with his daughter Brooke Hogan, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
After being estranged for years, the wrestler and his daughter managed to repair their drama-filled relationship when the new mom of twins, 37, reached out to her dad just days before he died from cardiac arrest at age 71 on July 25, a source said.
Inside Their 'Tearful' Conversation
Brooke Hogan reconciled with her father, Hulk Hogan, days before his death.
"It was a tearful conversation, albeit a short one," revealed the insider. "Brooke told her dad how much she loved him, how much she missed him. Hulk said he loved her, and he was sorry. That was huge for Brooke to hear. Everyone knew how stubborn Hulk could be, but his fading health obviously softened him up. He knew he was dying and begged her forgiveness."
Five days after he passed, Brooke posted a long message on Instagram to clarify the truth about their relationship, claiming she had to create distance between them "to protect my heart."
"My father and I never 'fought,'" she wrote. "It was a series of private phone calls no one will ever hear, know, or understand."
Brooke explained she felt her father begin to pull away as he no longer wanted her support or advice as he faced numerous health challenges.
The Duo Was 'Okay' Before His Death
The WWE legend endured 25 surgeries over a decade from years of punishing ring conditions.
The WWE champ revealed he'd had 25 surgeries in the past decade, including 10 back operations, knee and hip replacements and procedures on both shoulders. He blamed the injuries on the dangerous conditions of the ring in the 1970s.
"We'd been through almost 25 surgeries together, and all of a sudden he didn't want me at surgeries," Brooke said.
"But even when they weren't speaking, she cared about him and worried about him," said the source. "The important thing is, when he passed away, they were okay again."
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Linda Hogan remains estranged from daughter Brooke.
The insider added: "Brooke can't help the current state her family is in right now," – she's still estranged from her mother, Linda Hogan, 65 – "but she can go on knowing her dad loved her and there was peace between them before he died."
