‘My Dad Will Always Be My Hero’: Nick Hogan Pays Emotional Tribute to Hulk Hogan

‘I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me,’ Nick Hogan said of his father, who died of cardiac arrest in his Florida home on July 24.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan takes the stage during a campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 27, 2024. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Nick Hogan paid tribute to his late father and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, two days after he died at the age of 71.

In an emotional Instagram post on July 26, Nick Hogan explained his difficulty in coping with the loss of his father, before expressing gratitude to those who reached out and for the comfort he has received.

“Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions, and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting,” he shared alongside a carousel of photos of the two.

“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.”

Hulk Hogan—born Terrence Gene Bollea—died on July 24 from cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

The Clearwater Fire Department and Police Department immediately responded to a 911 call, and Hulk Hogan was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Nick Hogan noted he recently moved back to Florida to be closer to his father and is grateful they were able to spend more time together, making memories.

“I would do anything to have him back, but I know now that he will always be watching over me,” he said.

“I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud.

“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 shared his son and daughter, Brooke, with ex-wife Linda Hogan, with the family appearing on the VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best” for four seasons in 2005, before the couple divorced in 2009.

Meanwhile, according to Yahoo, Nick Hogan’s wife, Tana Lea, also honored her father-in-law by sharing snapshots on Instagram Stories of the WWE star at her wedding to his son earlier this year.

In the days following his death, tributes have continued to pour in across social media from celebrities including Sylvester Stallone—who starred in Rocky III alongside Hulk Hogan—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, John Cena, and many others.