Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE icon, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and complicated.

Despite the estrangement and bitter family feud that characterized his relationship with his daughter, Brooke Hogan, she found a poignant way to honor him following his unexpected death.

Earlier this week, Hulk Hogan succumbed to cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, a shocking loss for fans and family alike.

In a bittersweet twist, Brooke welcomed twins earlier this year, and her daughter’s name serves as a touching tribute to her father.

The newborn girl is named Molly Gene Olesky, with “Gene” being a middle name that honors Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea.

This gesture reflects a deep-seated affection that, despite their tumultuous relationship, remains evident in Brooke’s life.

Brooke, now 37, and Hulk had a complicated history, marked by public disputes and personal grievances.

However, insiders have indicated that Brooke still cared for her father, even amidst their differences.

In fact, both she and her husband, Steven Olesky, moved to Florida with the intention of rekindling their relationship with Hulk, but unfortunately, they never had the opportunity to strengthen their bond before his passing.

The last time Brooke and Hulk spoke was nearly two years ago, in September 2023, just weeks before he married Sky Daily.

During that conversation, she expressed her love and concern for him, urging him to take better care of himself due to his declining health.

Despite her heartfelt pleas, it seems that Hulk did not heed her advice, leading to further distance between them.

On that call, Hulk reportedly apologized to Brooke, although the specifics of that apology remain unclear.

The emotional weight of their strained relationship was further compounded when Brooke learned of her father’s death through her husband, who received the news from Hulk’s son, Nick.

In the wake of this devastating news, Steven Olesky took to social media to express his gratitude for the support they received during this challenging time.

He wrote, “Thank you for the love and support for my beautiful wife.

We are incredibly lucky to have you in our lives— not just during this challenging time, but always.”

Brooke’s relationship with her father had long been fraught with tension, and while she was protective of him, the rift between them was significant.

Reports indicate that despite multiple attempts by her husband to mend their relationship, Hulk responded coldly and made little effort to connect with Brooke’s children.

The dynamics of their family were complex, with Hulk seemingly wanting a relationship with his daughter only under his terms.

In the months leading up to his death, Hulk expressed feelings of heartbreak regarding his estrangement from Brooke.

Sources revealed that he was finally beginning to acknowledge the impact of his past behavior on his family relationships.

There was hope that he would work towards reconciliation, but time was not on their side.

Hulk’s reputation took a severe hit in the mid-2000s due to a leaked audio recording that revealed his racist views, which further complicated his relationships with his family and the public.

This history of controversy added layers of difficulty to his already strained familial ties.

Brooke was not the only family member with whom Hulk had issues; his ex-wife, Linda Hogan, also publicly criticized him, calling him a “complete liar” and a “sex addict.”

Despite these conflicts, Linda shared a heartfelt tribute to Hulk just days before his death, reminiscing about their past with a nostalgic photo on social media.

She captioned the post, “The good old days!” indicating a longing for the more positive times in their shared history.

As the news of Hulk’s passing spread, his widow, Sky Daily, expressed her grief on Instagram, stating, “I wasn’t ready for this…and my heart is in pieces.”

Sky reflected on their life together, noting that despite his health issues, she had faith in his strength and believed they had more time together.

She described Hulk as a legend to the world but emphasized that he was also her beloved partner, “Terry.”

Sky’s tribute highlighted the duality of Hulk’s public persona and his private life, showcasing the love that existed behind the scenes.

In her message, she acknowledged Hulk’s dedication to his fans, saying, “Hulk loved his fans so much, and despite his growing physical discomfort, he did everything he could to show up, sign autographs, take photos, and connect with the people who supported him through it all.”

Sky concluded her tribute with a heartfelt request for prayers for Hulk’s family and friends as they navigated this profound loss.

In the days following Hulk’s death, details emerged about his health struggles leading up to his passing.

He had undergone neck and back surgeries, and sources indicated that he was trying to recover from these procedures.

Despite his health challenges, he had shown determination to get back to “100 percent.”

However, the toll of years of wrestling had left his body significantly damaged, leading to a difficult recovery process.

The complexities of Hulk Hogan’s life serve as a reminder of the challenges that can arise within families, particularly when public personas clash with private realities.

As Brooke Hogan remembers her father, she is faced with the bittersweet nature of their relationship, marked by love and conflict.

Her decision to name her daughter after him reflects a desire to honor the man he was, even if their relationship was strained.

While the world may remember Hulk Hogan as a wrestling legend, his family will remember him as a father, husband, and complex individual navigating the ups and downs of life.

As the Hogan family moves forward, they will carry with them the memories of a man who was larger than life, both in and out of the ring.

In the end, Hulk Hogan’s legacy will continue to resonate, not just through his accomplishments in wrestling but through the personal stories of those who loved him.

The emotional tributes from Brooke, Sky, and others serve as a testament to the complicated nature of family dynamics, love, and loss.

As they navigate this new reality without him, the Hogan family will undoubtedly face challenges, but they will also find strength in the memories they shared and the love that remains.

In remembering Hulk Hogan, we are reminded of the importance of reconciliation, understanding, and the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, Hulk’s story is one of triumph and tragedy, a reflection of the human experience that resonates with us all.